A Story of Justice and Resilience
Michael Sullivan’s story begins in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on March 8, 1986, when 54-year-old Wilfred McGrath was brutally beaten to death during a robbery at 136 Fifth Street. Sullivan, then 25 and a resident of Somerville, was arrested alongside Emil Petrla, Stephen Angier, and Gary Grace. Sullivan and Petrla were convicted of murder and handed life sentences, while charges against Angier and Grace were dropped.
https://www.cambridgema.gov/~/media/Files/policedepartment/AnnualCrimeReports/MurderCasesCambridge1959_1989.pdf
The case, built on questionable forensic evidence, led to Sullivan spending nearly three decades in prison. However, advances in DNA technology eventually cast doubt on his conviction. In 2011, new testing revealed that no blood or DNA at the crime scene linked Sullivan to McGrath’s murder. This pivotal discovery led to his release in 2013 and eventual exoneration in 2019.
Life in Prison: Harsh Realities and Loss
Sullivan’s time in prison was fraught with challenges. He endured violent attacks from fellow inmates and faced profound emotional suffering as he mourned the deaths of his parents and siblings from behind bars. The isolation of prison life and the weight of a wrongful conviction took a devastating toll, leaving Sullivan physically and emotionally scarred.
The Challenges of Freedom
Upon his release, Sullivan faced the daunting task of rebuilding his life. Having spent nearly 30 years in prison, the world outside had changed drastically. He struggled with basic adjustments, from navigating technology to finding a sense of purpose in a society that had moved on without him.
A Call for Justice
After his exoneration, Sullivan sued the state for wrongful conviction and was awarded $13 million by a jury. However, Massachusetts law caps such payouts at $1 million, leaving Sullivan with far less than the compensation many believe he deserves. Despite this, he remains focused on using the funds to support his nieces and nephews, giving them opportunities he never had.
Reflections on a Broken System
During the 31-year period from 1959 to 1989, Cambridge recorded 121 murders, clearing 69% of cases according to FBI standards. Sullivan’s wrongful conviction highlights the flaws within the system, from reliance on inadequate forensic evidence to the lasting consequences of systemic failure. His exoneration serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for criminal justice reform.
If you have information about any unsolved homicides in Cambridge, the Cambridge Police Department encourages you to contact their Criminal Investigations Section or provide an anonymous tip via their website. Cases like Sullivan’s remind us of the importance of thorough investigations and the need for continued advocacy for those wrongfully convicted.
Michael Sullivan’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the ongoing fight for justice in an imperfect system.