Woman suing NYS blasts AG's Office

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Lynn Dejac-Peters lost 13 years of her life in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit. While the killer of Dejac's daughter was never brought to justice, the Buffalo woman is still fighting to right the scales with New York State.

Dejac-Peters was set free from prison four years ago after her murder conviction was vacated. Years later, her attorney Steven Cohen says the state has not met their demand for $14 million.

"They have refused to settle along the lines set forth by the NYS Board of Appeals and have made no offer of any significance," Cohen said.

A spokesperson for Attorney General Eric Schneiderman told News 4 that a monetary settlement had been offered to Dejac-Peters that was "significant and fair." That offer, the spokesperson said, was turned down.

Dejac-Peters argued, "It seems like every time something is convenient for them, is when it changes. But you want to know something? Anything I've ever said never changed, because it's been the truth from day one."

Cohen added, "The offer made by the state falls far short with a capital "F" of the standard set forth by the New York State Court of Appeals."

Cohen would not say what the offer was.

The state, however, said a $14 million settlement is farfetched "and would result in an award far greater than any amount the state has ever paid to settle a wrongful conviction case."

"We're dealing with compensating Lynn for what she has been forced to endure as a result of the wrongful incarceration," Cohen contended.

Dejac-Peters was set free in 2008, after spending nearly 14 years in prison. A jury had found her guilty of murdering her daughter, Crystallynn. But DNA evidence was later introduced, proving it unclear who actually committed the crime.

News 4 obtained the settlement figures for cases similar to Dejac-Peters'. A man who served about the same time was only awarded about half a million dollars. The highest sum was about $2 million, given to a man who served about 16 years.

The state also points out that though Dejac-Peters conviction was vacated, she was not exonerated of the crime. The DNA evidence did not prove she was innocent, only that it was unclear if she was guilty.