What’s 23 years of life worth? Well, $0 for Lamonte McIntyre in the eyes of the state of Kansas.
McIntyre was wrongfully incarcerated for 23 years for the 1994 murders of Doniel Quinn and Donald Ewing. He was only 17 years old at the time. The teenager was handed two life sentences despite his defense team’s argument of a faulty investigation and a dirty cop.
On October 13, McIntyre was exonerated after a 2-day review of forensic evidence…a move that caught him, pleasantly, off guard he tells KSHB.
“I wasn’t expecting that. I figured it was coming soon because the truth is what the truth is.”
Monetary compensation is usually granted after essentially robbing the wrongfully convicted of large portions of their lives. However, Kansas is one of 18 states that does not offer compensation for the exonerated. Both bills that would have required this to change died out in 2016 and 2017.
Ironically, McIntyre would have received more assistance had he been released on parole. Under those conditions, the state would have been required to assist McIntyre in searching for housing, education and obtaining his ID.
McIntyre, who was trained as a barber in prison, does still have the option to sue individuals, the police department or the District Attorney’s office although it would be an uphill battle. A fundraising site has been established to help McIntyre get back on his feet.