Green Bay, WI — David and Robert Bintz, two brothers who spent 25 years behind bars for the 1987 murder of Sandra Lison, have been exonerated and received financial compensation from the State of Wisconsin. The two men, who had been convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2000, were wrongfully convicted. Advanced DNA testing later revealed their innocence, leading to their release.
The Wisconsin Claims Board recently announced that both men would be receiving compensation through the Innocent Convict Compensation program, which provides financial restitution for those wrongfully imprisoned.
The Wrongful Conviction
David and Robert Bintz were initially convicted for the 1987 murder of Sandra Lison in Green Bay. However, after years of legal battles, new DNA evidence surfaced, clearing the men of any involvement in the crime.
“They were wrongfully convicted, and it’s great that the state has stepped forward to provide them with compensation for the years they lost,” said a spokesperson from the Wisconsin Claims Board.
The new DNA tests showed that David and Robert Bintz were not responsible for Lison’s death, leading to their exoneration and eventual release.
Compensation Details
Both men had applied for compensation through the Innocent Convict Compensation program, seeking the maximum statutory amount of $25,000. In addition to this, both men sought compensation for attorney fees, which were approved by the Claims Board:
- Robert Bintz requested $128,698.20 in attorney fees,
- David Bintz sought $134,328.45 for similar costs.
“It’s a small step toward righting the wrongs done to us, but it’s also a reminder of how the system failed us for a quarter-century,” Robert Bintz said after receiving the compensation.
Both brothers were awarded the $25,000 compensation, in addition to their respective attorney fees.
Additional Requests for Compensation
The Bintz brothers have also expressed their desire for additional compensation for the years of trauma and lost time. They are requesting an additional $2 million in compensation, which they have asked the Wisconsin Claims Board to recommend to the state legislature.
The state is currently reviewing their request for further financial restitution.
Community Reactions
The exoneration of David and Robert Bintz has sparked conversations about the flaws in the criminal justice system, especially in relation to wrongful convictions. Local residents and advocates for criminal justice reform have praised the state for compensating the men but also echoed the need for further reforms to prevent such miscarriages of justice.
What are your thoughts on this case and the steps needed to prevent wrongful convictions in the future? Share your views in the comments below.
