She identified him in court as her rapist. Forty years later, new evidence showed he was innocent all along.
The Original Case
In her bestselling memoir "Lucky," author Alice Sebold described being raped as an 18-year-old student at Syracuse University in 1981. Months later, she reported seeing a man on the street she believed was her attacker; police detained Anthony Broadwater, who had been in the area. Sebold did not identify him in an initial police lineup, choosing a different man instead, but later identified Broadwater as her attacker in court. He was convicted based largely on her testimony and hair analysis methods that have since been discredited.
16 Years in Prison
Broadwater spent 16 years in prison and was required to register as a sex offender for years afterward.
The Exoneration
The case was reexamined after a producer working on a planned film adaptation of "Lucky" raised concerns and hired a private investigator. That review found Broadwater had been convicted on insufficient and now-outdated forensic evidence. On November 22, 2021, Broadwater was formally exonerated.
The Apology
Sebold issued a public apology to Broadwater following his exoneration, writing that she was sorry for the life "unjustly robbed" from him. Broadwater, through his lawyers, said he was relieved by the apology. Sebold's publisher paused distribution of "Lucky" while considering how the book might be revised. Sebold also acknowledged that her actual attacker was never identified and may never be known.
FAQ
How long was Anthony Broadwater in prison?
He spent 16 years in prison and was later required to register as a sex offender for years after his release.
When was Broadwater exonerated?
On November 22, 2021, after a reexamination of the case found the original evidence used to convict him was insufficient and outdated.
Did Alice Sebold's actual attacker get identified?
No. Sebold has said her actual attacker was never identified and likely never will be.