'Fairbanks Four' member settles for $11.5 million in wrongful conviction lawsuit stemming from 1997 murder case

Four men known as the "Fairbanks Four" were wrongfully convicted for the murder of 15-year-old John Hartman in 1997. In 2023, three of the men reached a settlement of nearly $1.6 million, while the fourth man, Marvin Roberts, opted not to settle in pursuit of justice. Recently, Roberts secured a settlement of $11.5 million with the City of Fairbanks, according to his attorney, Mike Kramer.

The wrongful convictions led the four men—Roberts, George Frese, Eugene Vent, and Kevin Pease—to spend 18 years in prison until a confession by another individual prompted a Fairbanks judge to initiate a post-conviction relief trial in 2015. By the end of the trial, a deal was offered for their release if they agreed not to sue the city, which Roberts ultimately signed, allowing the others to go free.

However, in 2017, Roberts and his attorney questioned the enforceability of the deal and decided to file a lawsuit against the City of Fairbanks in pursuit of wrongful conviction claims. In November 2023, while the other three men settled, Roberts chose to seek justice through further litigation.

Kramer remarked on the difficult choice faced by his client, highlighting the pressure of accepting a substantial settlement. Roberts, however, remained resolute, stating that he would not settle for less than justice. "Marvin said, 'No, I'm not taking that deal, I'm going to trial. I want justice,'” Kramer noted.

After ultimately settling for $11.5 million, Roberts acknowledged that while no financial compensation could truly rectify his suffering, the settlement provides him with a sense of freedom. The case is set for a trial in December 2025, as Roberts continues to seek accountability for the injustices he faced.