AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas couple will receive $3.4 million from the state for being wrongfully imprisoned for more than two decades on prosecutors’ claims that they sexually abused children as part of satanic rituals at the day care they operated.
The Austin American-Statesman reports that Dan and Fran Keller learned Tuesday that they’ll receive the payment from a state fund for the wrongly convicted.
A judge in June approved a request from Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore for a declaration of innocence for the Kellers.
The couple was convicted in 1992 of sexually assaulting a 3-year-old after children in their care told investigators of dismembered babies, tortured pets and other fantastic tales.
Their attorney, Keith Hampton, says “satanic panic” reached a fever pitch around the time the Kellers were prosecuted.
[Image via Austin American-Statesman screengrab]
