New Milford Agrees To Multi-Million Dollar Settlement With Henning

Following a town vote, New Milford has agreed to a $2.4 million settlement with Shawn Henning, one of two men wrongfully convicted of a 1985 murder. Henning and Ralph Birch were exonerated in 2019, having served nearly 30 years for the killing of Everett Carr. Their convictions hinged on false evidence presented by forensic scientist Henry Lee. Although the state paid $25 million in damages to both men, Henning’s remaining claims against New Milford involved local police. Ralph Birch, however, has declined to settle and will proceed to trial, set to start in March.