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GA HR1038
Resolution
Status
Engrossed
3/12/2020
Primary Sponsor
Craig Gordon
Click for details
AI Summary
- Kenneth Eric Gardiner was convicted of malice murder on November 19, 1992, and sentenced to life plus five years in prison for a January 1992 shooting in Savannah, Georgia, based primarily on a pressured eyewitness who later recanted and exculpatory evidence withheld from his defense team
- The Georgia Supreme Court unanimously overturned Gardiner's conviction on November 2, 2017, and he was released on bond in December 2017 after more than 25 years of wrongful incarceration; a nolle prosequi was entered on the indictment in July 2018
- The wrongful conviction also resulted in an other than honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, denying Gardiner military service and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
- The Department of Administrative Services is authorized and directed to pay Gardiner $1,000,000 in total compensation, consisting of an initial $50,000 lump sum followed by equal monthly annuity installments over 20 years, in full satisfaction of all claims against the state
- Upon Gardiner's death, annuity payments continue to his estate or heirs, and the annuity payments are non-assignable under any circumstances
Legislative Description
Gardiner, Kenneth Eric; compensate
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred
3/13/2020
Full Bill Text
No bill text available