In this flashback clip from 2017, Raymond Santana and Yusef Salaam of the Central Park Five spoke about having spent close to seven years in prison, all the while being convicted rapists which garnered them disdain amongst the fellow inmates. Ultimately in 2002, however, Matias Reyes came forward and admitted to raping the woman, which led to all the charges being vacated and an eventual $41 million lawsuit to be split amongst the five men.
During the segment, Santana and Salaam recall the circumstances that led to Reyes’ confession, breaking down the events between Reyes and Central Park 5 member Korey Wise, the only one of the five men that was immediately sent to Rikers Island for being above the age of 16. After Reyes gave unknown details about the crime and was proven to be a DNA match for the assault and rape, the men were finally vindicated though they believe their innocence was swept under the rug.
Additionally, they note that they’ve never spoken to Reyes or the victim, Trisha Meili, in person, expressing their frustration that Meili has never made an effort to hear their side of the story.
