The Latest: Brothers wrongly convicted in 11-year-old girl's death 30 years ago get $750,000

RALEIGH, N.C. – The latest on two brothers wrongly convicted in North Carolina three decades ago in the killing of an 11-year-old girl (all times local):

10:15 a.m.

Two North Carolina brothers have been awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state, three decades after wrongful convictions in the killing an 11-year-old girl landed one on death row and the other in prison for a life sentence.

On Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner J. Brad Donovan of the North Carolina Industrial Commission awarded Henry McCollum and his half brother Leon Brown $750,000 for their wrongful conviction and imprisonment for 30 years.

Donovan says the funds will be available after a period of 15 days. That is required in case the state appeals. The state treasury can then disburse the money.

Marc Snead of the state Department of Justice says the state agrees the men should get the money.

McCollum appeared at the hearing, calm and wearing a gray suit, but Brown was not there.

___

6:10 a.m.

North Carolina officials are holding a hearing on compensation for two brothers wrongfully imprisoned for three decades in the killing of an 11-year-old girl.

The North Carolina Industrial Commission will hear from a lawyer for Henry McCollum and Leon Brown on Wednesday, and the attorney general's office may also speak.

The two were pardoned in June, qualifying each man to collect $750,000 from the state. The hearing is one of several steps that are largely considered formalities before the money can be paid.

An attorney for the men says McCollum plans to attend the hearing along with his sister. However, Brown has been hospitalized for mental health issues exacerbated by his time in prison.

McCollum had been the longest-serving inmate on North Carolina's death row before the pair was released last year.