After spending 16 years in jail on a murder conviction that was overturned this week, Jabbar Collins arrived home this afternoon to a hero’s welcome — but took time to land a jab at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office that put him behind bars after witholding evidence.
“Simply because someone is named a district attorney does not mean that they’re incapable of mistakes or even intentional misconduct,” said Collins, after being greeted by his family members who waited outside his mother’s Queens home for him to arrive.
“I’m thankful that justice was finally served,” said Collins, 37, who rode home from prison in a midnight blue limo, wearing khaki slacks and a white tee shirt.
“I’m disgusted, to be honest, however today is a day of rejoicing. I had 16 years of misery and 16 years of sorrow. So today I just want to enjoy myself with my family. I don’t even want to think about it,” he said.
Federal Judge Dora Irizarry on Tuesday overturned the conviction in connection with the murder and robbery of a Brooklyn man, and barred prosecutors in Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes’ office from ever retrying Collins on the charges.
Irizarry ruled that the DA’s office withheld key evidence from defense attorneys during the trial. Collins was accused of shooting Abraham Pollac, a Williamsburg rabbi in 1994.
Arriving at his mother’s home in Jamaica, Queens, Collins first hugged his 18-year-old daughter, who was there along with his two sons and his six brothers and two sisters and his step-father. He also met his four-month old grandson for the first time.
Asked about the first thing he plans to do now that he’s free, Collins said: “Go to church and pray and give thanks to Jesus.”
“Secondly, I’m going to spend time with these people who stood by my side for the last 16 years, who supported me.”
Despite his conviction, Collins said he never gave up hope. “Persistence can overcome resistance,” he said of his patience. And he thanked his lawyer, Joel Rubin.
For his first meal as a free man, Collins’ mother, Margaret Collins-Bridges had prepared a feast of fried chicken. But she planned to take him out for dinner to continue the celebration.
“I’m looking forward to life, to rebuilding my life,” he said. “To see what it is to live with my family.”