Linda Fairstein was head of the sex crimes unit in the Manhattan DA’s office at the time the Central Park jogger case came about. Fairstein, who’s played by Felicity Huffman in When They See Us, was instrumental in seeing Antron McCray, Korey Wise, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam and Raymond Santana convicted for the assault and rape of a jogger on April 19, 1989, despite there being no physical evidence. Since the Netflix series Fairstein has faced plenty of criticism for her part in the case.
Fairstein was a figurehead in the prosecution’s cases against all five members of the Central Park Five.
When They See Us viewers witness her portrayal as the stubborn and determined prosecutor keen to send the teenagers to prison, no matter the cost.
Huffman’s portrayal shows Fairstein as ambivalent and uninterested as to the credibility of the boys’ guilt, as long as someone can be convicted for the crime.
After the five teenagers were found guilty, Fairstein continued working in the Manhattan DA’s office until 2002.
In 2002, she retired from her position – this also happened to be the same year the Central Park Five had their convictions vacated following a reinvestigation into the case.
DID THE CENTRAL PARK 5 EVEN KNOW EACH OTHER?
When They See Us: Fairstein and Lederer in 1990 (Image: Getty)
The reinvestigation was prompted by the confession of Matias Reyes, a convicted serial rapist who had come across Wise during their time in prison.
From 2002 onwards, Fairstein went on to become a successful crime novelist.
Fairstein wrote and published a staggering 23 books since
