83-Year-Old Mounts Quixotic Fight To Clear Name In 1968 Murder Of Jewish Partner
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
By Dave Goldiner November 5, 2017
Sam Sommer was accused, tried and convicted of the 1968 murder of his former business partner, who was found dead on a Long Island street.
Prosecutors and a jury agreed Irving Silver was killed by Sommer to win a lucrative insurance policy and for other financial reasons related to their rocky business partnership.
Sommer served 20 years in prison, was eventually freed — and now is living out his years in upstate New York.
End of the story? Nope.
Unlike most inmates who protest their innocence, Sommer has continued his quixotic campaign after his release and still hopes for a new trial, according to the New York Times.
He says prosecutors beat him into confessing that he bludgeoned Silver, who is an uncle of his late wife, with a pipe before running him over and fleeing the scene. A new appeal — the latest of many — is making its way through the court system.
“I’d like to clear my name at trial,” he told the Times. “If they want to settle, the only way I’ll accept money is if they write the reason on the face of the check.”
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
