After Louisiana Judge Bill Bennett ruled Monday, Simmons didn’t get a fair trial in 1977, when he was convicted for attempted aggravated sexual rape on twin 14-year old sisters, those visions became reality.
Bennett recently reviewed information that was available in 1977 but not presented at his trial. Simmons and his lawyers believed this information might have prevented Bennett’s conviction.
Bennett stated in his ruling that he did not have an opinion on Simmons’ guilt or innocence.
A new trial was ordered by the judge. However, Charles Riddle, Avoyelles Parish District Attorney, informed the court that Simmons would not be retried and that the charges had been dropped.
Simmons told CBS News’ national correspondent David Begnaud his thoughts when he heard he would be free.
“It dawned upon me, this was it. It’s obvious. Simmons stated, “Man, we’ve waited all these years for it.”
His twin sisters Sharon Sanders and Karen Sanders, now 59, were also present at the courthouse Monday. This was the first time they had been to a hearing for Simmons since the 1977 trial.
While the sisters stated that they wouldn’t ask for a new trial from the district attorney, insisted that they were the victims and that Simmons was guilty.
“He went in guilty. He is now guilty and, guess what? He will die guilty. So, I am happy. Karen stated, “I got 44 years.”
Simmons has been fighting to clear his name for over a decade and has tried 16 times to get a fresh trial. He maintains that he is innocent and didn’t receive a fair trial.
CBS News reported that Simmons has no negative feelings about the Sanders sisters.
“No, they are not mad at me. Simmons stated that Simmons meant that Simmons had told them they could forgive them.
Simmons is now free to go, but it’s possible that some still believe he’s guilty. Simmons stated that this does not bother him as he is innocent.
He said, “People will be people and some of these people are going to claim he’s innocent despite the fact they don’t have any evidence.”
Simmons stated to CBS News that he is moving out of Louisiana because he feels it was unfair. Simmons also stated that he will work to assist other prisoners in their release.
