On June 17th, 1966, Rubin Carter was accused of a triple homicide at the Layfette bar and grill in Paterson. Along with John Artis, Carter was arrested on June 17th for the murders of three civilians, as they had to fit an eyewitness description. However, they were cleared by a grand jury after a surviving victim failed to identify them as the gunmen. Alfred Bello and Arthur D. were two eyewitnesses who made positive identifications. There was little to no evidence tying both Artis and Carter to the crime. The two eyewitnesses were convicted felons of burglary crimes. In exchange for their testimonies, they had received money, and their sentences were reduced. Still, on June 29th, 1967, both Carter and Artis were convicted of a triple homicide and sentenced to three life terms. …show more content…
His case brought attention and many supporters nationally. Including, famous musician, Bob Dylan, who, inspired, wrote the song “Hurricane” and played it at every stop on his tour. Many other politicians, civil rights activists, and entertainers, including Muhammad Ali, supported Carter’s case. In 1974, both Alfred Bello and Arthur D. withdrew their testimonies and admitted they had lied in order to receive lesser sentences. The New Jersey State Supreme Court ruled 0-7 to overturn Artis and Carter’s cases. The two men were released on bail, but were only out for six months. Bello again reversed his testimony, a second trial was held in 1976. Artis, who was a model prisoner, was realized on parole in 1981. Carter, however, struggled to prove his innocence. In 1982, an appeal for a third trial was denied, affirming his convictions by a 4-3 decision. While in prison, his relationships with the outside world had failed. Carter and his wife, Mae Thelma, who had a daughter together, divorced in