Boston Mayor Apologizes to Black Men Wrongly Accused in 1989 Murder Case

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued a formal apology on Wednesday to two Black men who were wrongly accused in a 1989 murder case that divided the city along racial lines. The case involved the death of a white woman, Carol Stuart, whose husband had orchestrated her killing.

Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett were falsely identified as suspects in the murder of Carol Stuart. Stuart’s husband, Charles Stuart, blamed her killing on an unidentified Black gunman, leading to a crackdown by the police in a predominantly Black neighborhood. This incident further deepened racial tensions in Boston.

During a news conference, Mayor Wu expressed her deep remorse for the pain endured by Swanson and Bennett. She acknowledged the harm caused by the actions of the mayor’s office, city officials, and the Boston Police Department, which continue to impact the larger community.

Mayor Wu revealed that following Carol Stuart’s murder, the city launched a systemic campaign targeting Black men in the Mission Hill neighborhood and across Boston. Despite the lack of evidence implicating a Black man in the crime, the false narrative confirmed and exposed existing racial biases.

Joey Bennett, Willie Bennett’s nephew, accepted Mayor Wu’s apology on behalf of his uncle and family, as well as Alan Swanson. However, both families called for some form of financial compensation for the suffering they endured. Swanson emphasized his current financial struggles and expressed gratitude for the apology.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox also acknowledged the failings of the police department during that time. He apologized for the poor investigation, overzealous behavior, and potential constitutional violations.

Mayor Wu emphasized that the apology is just the beginning of a longer journey of accountability and action. The recent attention brought to the case by The Boston Globe and an HBO documentary series has prompted a renewed focus on addressing past injustices.