Man wrongly convicted would be compensated under House resolution

Lathan Rydell Word was wrongfully convicted of armed robbery in 1999 and served 12 years in prison before being released. A resolution approved by the state House on Thursday would pay him $400,000 for the mistake.

House Resolution 73, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Hugley, D-Columbus, passed by a vote of 97-58 and now goes to the Senate.

Word was less than a week away from joining the Marine Corps when he was arrested at age 18. The lone witness against him, now in prison for murder and armed robbery, Hugley said, recanted his testimony in 2011.

About the Author

Aaron Gould Sheinin

Who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress?

Now that U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her plans to resign, attention turns to who might replace her in Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

Fani Willis slams Trump for social media comments about Reiners’ deaths

The Fulton district attorney addresses the president's social media post about Rob Reiner, Charlie Kirk's death and more in a news conference about an unrelated case.

Burt Jones pushes back as shadowy group pours millions into attack ads

The state Republicans have filed an ethics complaint against the group running the ads. So far, no one has been able to determine who's really behind the ads.

The Latest

Credit: Natrice Miller/AJC

Who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress?

Fani Willis slams Trump for social media comments about Reiners’ deaths

Burt Jones pushes back as shadowy group pours millions into attack ads

Featured

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Fani Willis blasts Senate panel in contentious hearing

The Fulton County district attorney struck a defiant tone in early questioning before a Georgia Senate committee Wednesday.

EXCLUSIVE

Atlanta’s SweetWater 420 Fest on the move again with a new venue for 2026

The SweetWater 420 Fest is moving to its fourth location in five years, finding a new home on the Westside of Atlanta.

Fatal mauling causes animal control changes in Fulton County

Horrific attack reveals weaknesses with LifeLine reporting incidents. County police will now field animal control calls.