Dallas Man Cleared After 35 Years in Prison

DALLAS, TX — Benjamin Spencer, 59, was officially cleared of all charges on Thursday, more than 35 years after being wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for a 1988 murder in Dallas.

The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office announced his release, marking the end of a decades-long legal battle.

Spencer was convicted in connection with the death of Jeffrey Young, a clothing manufacturing executive, who was found unconscious in March 1987 in western Dallas. Despite maintaining his innocence, Spencer was sentenced to 35 years in prison in 1987.

The case against Spencer was built on testimony from witnesses, including Gladys Oliver, who later admitted to giving false testimony in exchange for a potential reward of up to $25,000. Further investigation revealed that prosecutors had withheld evidence about Oliver’s expectation of reward money, and a jailhouse informant also confessed to lying about Spencer’s alleged confession.

A post-conviction investigation led to a new trial, where Spencer was convicted of aggravated robbery and sentenced to life in prison. Spencer filed a writ of habeas corpus in 2004, alleging innocence, but his claims were denied until a reinvestigation by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office in 2021 revealed significant issues with the original conviction, including false testimony and suppressed evidence.

In March 2021, Spencer was released on bond after serving 34 years behind bars. His conviction was officially overturned in May 2024 by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and the decision became final in June 2024.

Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot expressed relief over the decision, stating, “This day has been a long time coming. I am relieved and humbled to help correct this injustice.” Creuzot also mentioned the loss of critical evidence, such as latent print cards, which might have provided leads if found.

Spencer’s case is the 46th time in Dallas County since 2001 that a person has been cleared after being wrongly convicted, following the implementation of the post-conviction DNA law.