New Haven Settles Wrongful Conviction Suit for $16.5 Million
The city moves to resolve a lawsuit filed by Adam Carmon, who spent 29 years in prison for a murder conviction later overturned.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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The city of New Haven has reached a $16.5 million settlement to resolve a wrongful conviction lawsuit filed by Adam Carmon. Carmon was imprisoned for 29 years following his 1995 conviction for a 1994 shooting before the Superior Court overturned the verdict in 2022.
Why it matters
The settlement addresses claims that local officials suppressed evidence and coerced statements in a case that resulted in a miscarriage of justice. It follows a pattern of significant legal payouts in New Haven for wrongful convictions involving flawed evidence.
The proposed $16.5 million settlement requires approval from the New Haven Board of Alders in November 2026. This follows other major legal payouts, including a $38 million jury award for Stefan Morant and $30.5 million for two other men.
The players
Adam Carmon
A man who served 29 years in prison for a murder conviction that was later overturned by the state's Superior Court.
New Haven Board of Alders
The city's legislative body responsible for approving the final $16.5 million settlement payment.
Stefan Morant
An individual who received a $38 million jury award in May 2026 following his own wrongful conviction case.
The details
The lawsuit alleged that law enforcement officers suppressed information, fabricated evidence, and coerced self-incriminating statements during the original investigation into the 1994 shooting. The Connecticut Superior Court ultimately overturned the conviction after identifying suppressed material and new forensic evidence.
Timeline
February 3, 1994: An infant was murdered and a grandmother was paralyzed in a shooting on Orchard Street.
1995: Adam Carmon was convicted of the murder.
November 2022: The Superior Court overturned Carmon's conviction.
May 2026: Stefan Morant was awarded $38 million by a jury.
November 2026: The Board of Alders is expected to vote on the settlement.
Legal Context
The settlement follows the precedent set by the $38 million jury award for Stefan Morant, marking a continued trend of significant payouts for past legal errors. Local officials are facing increasing pressure to resolve historical cases involving coerced evidence and procedural failures.
Taxpayers should be aware that the city is required to bond for the full settlement amount, which may impact the municipal budget. This payout reflects the broader financial consequence of historical investigative failures within the local justice system.
The takeaway
This settlement highlights the high cost of legal errors and the ongoing efforts to address historical misconduct in local law enforcement. Residents can monitor future Board of Alders meetings to track how these large settlements are financed through municipal bonding.
What happens next
The New Haven Board of Alders is scheduled to meet in November 2026 to hold an official vote on the proposed $16.5 million settlement.
Further reading
Learn more about local legal proceedings in the New Haven Criminal Justice section.
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