A Philadelphia man who received a $4.1 million settlement after spending 24 years in prison for a murder he did not commit has been sent back to jail after admitting to another killing.
Shaurn Thomas, 50, pleaded guilty on Thursday to the murder of 38-year-old Akeem Edwards on January 3, 2023. The killing reportedly stemmed from a $1,200 drug debt, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
During the plea hearing, Common Pleas Court Judge Roxanne Covington expressed disbelief that Thomas, who had been awarded millions in compensation after his wrongful imprisonment, would jeopardize his freedom over a relatively small amount of money. When asked if the allegations were true, Thomas confirmed them.
In addition to the murder charge, Thomas also pleaded guilty to conspiracy, illegal gun possession, and other related charges.
Edwards’ family expressed their hope for a life sentence during the upcoming February hearing. “There’s not enough time for them to possibly give him,” said Edwards’ sister, Tyeisha Marshall.
Thomas’ previous life sentence was overturned in 2017 after a judge vacated his conviction in connection with the 1990 shooting death of a businessman during a botched robbery.
The Pennsylvania Innocence Project helped secure his release, citing investigative flaws, including unverified alibis and questionable interrogation tactics. Prosecutors, while not fully convinced of his innocence, chose not to retry the case.
Thomas is scheduled for sentencing in February.
