Richard Jewell History Timeline and Biographies

1996

The Centennial Olympic Park Bombing

On July 27, 1996, during the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Richard Jewell discovered a suspicious backpack containing a bomb in Centennial Olympic Park. He alerted police and helped evacuate the area, which saved many lives. The bomb exploded, resulting in two deaths and over 100 injuries, but Jewell's quick actions were initially praised.

1996

Media Scrutiny Begins

Following the bombing, Richard Jewell was identified by media outlets as a potential suspect. In the days after the attack, he was subjected to intense scrutiny and speculation, leading to a media frenzy that painted him as a "lone bomber" despite a lack of evidence against him.

1997

FBI Investigation and Exoneration

The FBI conducted an extensive investigation into Richard Jewell, but by the end of 1997, they cleared him of any involvement in the bombing. Jewell was found to be a victim of the media's rush to judgment rather than a suspect.

1997

Jewell's Lawsuit Against Media Outlets

In response to the damage to his reputation, Richard Jewell filed lawsuits against several media organizations for defamation. He sought to hold them accountable for their role in spreading false information about him during the investigation.

1999

Settlement with Media Outlets

Richard Jewell reached settlements with several media outlets, including CNN and The New York Post, which acknowledged their role in the inaccurate portrayal of him as a suspect. The settlements provided Jewell some financial compensation and a degree of vindication.

2001

Life After the Bombing

Following the ordeal, Richard Jewell struggled with the aftermath of the bombing and the media scrutiny. He moved away from Atlanta and worked various jobs, including a brief stint as a police officer in a small town in Georgia.

2007

Jewell's Health Declines

Richard Jewell's health began to decline due to complications from diabetes and other health issues. His struggles were compounded by the emotional toll of the bombing and the subsequent media frenzy that followed him for years.

2007

Death of Richard Jewell

Richard Jewell passed away on August 29, 2007, at the age of 44. His death was attributed to complications related to diabetes, and he was remembered for his bravery during the bombing and the injustices he faced afterward.

2010

Posthumous Recognition

In the years following his death, Richard Jewell received posthumous recognition for his heroism. Various organizations and media outlets began to acknowledge the wrongful treatment he received during the investigation into the bombing.

2016

The Release of "Richard Jewell: The Man" Documentary

A documentary titled "Richard Jewell: The Man" was released, exploring the events surrounding the bombing and the impact it had on Jewell's life. The film aimed to shed light on his story and the media's role in shaping public perception.

2019

Clint Eastwood's Film "Richard Jewell" Announced

Director Clint Eastwood announced a biographical film titled "Richard Jewell," which would depict the events of the bombing and the subsequent media scrutiny faced by Jewell. This film aimed to provide a more nuanced portrayal of Jewell's experience.

2019

"Richard Jewell" Film Released

The film "Richard Jewell" was released in December 2019, receiving critical acclaim for its portrayal of Jewell's story. It highlighted the heroism of Richard Jewell and the challenges he faced due to media sensationalism.

2020

Legacy of Richard Jewell Continues

Richard Jewell's legacy continues to be discussed in the context of media ethics and the impact of public perception on individuals. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and the potential consequences of misinformation.

2024

Ongoing Discussions about Richard Jewell's Impact

As of 2024, discussions about Richard Jewell's impact on media practices and public perception continue. His story is frequently referenced in debates about the treatment of individuals in the media spotlight, particularly in high-profile criminal cases.