Five men were wrongfully convicted in infamous Central Park rape case . The 1989 crime polarized New York City along racial lines , and sent five to prison . The victim , Trisha Meili , kept her identity hidden for 14 years until the publication of her book , `` I Am the Central Park Jogger . '' In 2002 , a serial rapist and murderer confessed to the crime and said he had acted alone . He was sentenced to life without parole for his crimes. ` closes a very difficult chapter '' in NYC history , comptroller says .
Five men were wrongfully convicted in infamous Central Park rape case . The 1989 crime polarized New York City along racial lines , and sent five to prison . In 2002 , a serial rapist and murderer confessed to the crime and said he had acted alone . He was sentenced to life without parole for his crimes. ` closes a very difficult chapter '' in NYC history , comptroller says .