A historic apology and settlement highlight decades of injustice in Boston’s racially fraught legal past.

Story Snapshot

• Two Black men wrongly accused in a 1989 murder receive a $150K settlement.
• The case fueled racial tensions and highlighted systemic bias in law enforcement.
• Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued a formal apology in 2023.
• The settlement aims to address historical wrongs and rebuild community trust.

Settlement Marks a Belated Justice

In September 2025, the City of Boston agreed to a $150,000 settlement with Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett, two Black men wrongfully accused of murdering Carol Stuart in 1989. This case, rooted in systemic bias, saw Charles Stuart, the victim’s husband, falsely claim that a Black man was responsible for the murder, leading to racial profiling and a crackdown on Boston’s Black community. The settlement comes after a formal apology from Mayor Michelle Wu in 2023.

This acknowledgment reflects a significant step towards addressing past injustices, though it comes decades after the original wrongdoing. The settlement includes $100,000 to Bennett and $50,000 to Swanson, recognizing the differential impact of the false allegations on their lives.

Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett were wrongly named as suspects in the death of Carol Stuart, whose husband said they had been shot during an attempted carjacking by a Black gunman. https://t.co/p2rwLnTFVM

— Zaki Amir invisibleman733 Presents (@AmirPresents) September 23, 2025

Historical Context and Racial Tensions

The murder of Carol Stuart took place during a time of deep racial divisions in Boston. Charles Stuart’s fabricated story led to aggressive police actions in Black neighborhoods, fostering mistrust and fear. This incident is often cited alongside other cases like the Central Park Five, highlighting patterns of racial bias in the justice system. The eventual revelation of Charles Stuart’s guilt exposed the flaws in the investigation and the authorities’ readiness to accept racially charged narratives without sufficient evidence.

The case unfolded in Mission Hill, a predominantly Black neighborhood, and gained national attention due to its racial implications. The racial profiling and wrongful accusations intensified racial tensions in Boston, leaving a lasting impact on the community and its relationship with law enforcement.

Implications and Future Prospects

The settlement marks a short-term victory for Swanson and Bennett, offering financial compensation and public recognition of their innocence. In the long term, this case remains a poignant reminder of the dangers of racial profiling and institutional bias. It has prompted renewed calls for police reform and greater accountability, not only in Boston but across the United States.

While the financial settlement is a symbolic gesture, it cannot fully compensate for the reputational, emotional, and financial harm suffered by the men. The case has influenced public discourse on race, policing, and justice, contributing to ongoing debates about systemic racism. The city’s formal acknowledgment and compensation represent a crucial, albeit delayed, step toward healing and accountability.

Scholars continue to criticize the media’s role in amplifying racial stereotypes during the initial reporting of the murder. Legal scholars and civil rights advocates emphasize the need for systemic reform in policing and prosecutorial practices to prevent similar injustices in the future.

Watch the report: VIDEO NOW: Boston mayor apologizes to Black men wrongly accused in 1989 murder

Sources:

Boston Mayor Wu Apologizes to 2 Black Men Wrongly Accused
Boston Michelle Wu Apology for Carol Stuart Murder Arrest
2 Black Men Wrongly Accused in 1989 Killing of White Woman in Boston