According to Boston25News, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued a formal apology on Dec. 20 to rectify a longstanding injustice that transpired in 1989 when two men, Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett, were wrongfully arrested in connection with the killing of Carol Stuart. The case, initially marred by racial tensions, unfolded when it was revealed that Stuart’s husband, Charles Stuart, had orchestrated her murder and misled investigators by falsely attributing the crime to a Black man.
To address the historical injustice and
acknowledge the City of Boston’s role in perpetuating harm to the Black community, Mayor Wu held a press conference at City Hall. The formal apology was extended to Swanson and Bennett, with Swanson in attendance with members of Bennett’s family and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox.The wrongful arrests of Swanson and Bennett, both of whom were never formally charged in connection with the
case, occurred amid the racially charged atmosphere that followed Charles Stuart’s false accusation. The fallout from the case resulted in the racist harassment of Black men, particularly those residing in the Mission Hill neighborhood, by both city officials and the Boston Police Department, according to the outlet.Wu’s office emphasized that the apology is a crucial step in acknowledging the severe repercussions of this dark chapter in Boston’s history, aiming to foster healing for those who continue to grapple with the trauma inflicted during that time. The Mayor’s commitment to addressing this painful episode aligns with a broader effort to rebuild trust between Boston’s Black community and the city’s law enforcement agencies.
“This dark time in the City’s history exacerbated distrust between Boston’s Black community and the Boston Police Department,” Wu’s office said in a statement on Dec. 19.
“Acknowledging this painful moment and apologizing for the City’s wrongdoing is an effort to aid in the healing of those still living with this trauma and our City as a whole.”
This formal apology follows an extensive investigation by The Boston Globe
and a corresponding HBO docu-series, delving into the Stuart case and its enduring impact. The comprehensive coverage, including the revelation of the orchestrated murder and its aftermath, has reignited discussions about the need for accountability and reconciliation in the aftermath of such historical injustices.RELATED CONTENT: U.S. Court Rejects Race Bias Claims Over Boston School Admission Policy