The close friend of a man wrongfully convicted of murder three decades ago is reflecting on the similar, and haunting life experiences that brought them together.

Randy Druken passed away earlier this week at the age of 57.

In 2005, Druken was awarded $2-million in compensation for being wrongfully convicted in the stabbing death of Brenda Marie Young in her home on Empire Avenue in 1993.

That case, as well as the wrongful conviction cases of Greg Parsons and Ron Dalton, were the subject of an inquiry in the mid-2000s.

Dalton says his friendship with Druken goes back to 1988, when he himself was arrested for murder.

Dalton says there aren’t many people out there to talk to who have gone through such an experience, and that commonality brought the two men close together.

He believes everyone should reflect on how such people are treated. He says Druken was punished harshly for something he didn’t do and believes everyone is worse for wear when something like that happens.