Inocente libertado após quase 25 anos na prisão

Nem sempre são derrotas. In memoriam de Troy Davis.

October 04, 2011 273 EXONERATED I’m writing with wonderful news. Just moments ago, our client Michael Morton walked out of a Texas courthouse a free man after serving nearly 25 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.      (Above: Michael Morton with his sister, Vicky Warlick, and mother, Patricia Morton, moments after he was released today) Morton was convicted in 1987 in Williamson County, Texas, of the murder of his wife, based entirely on circumstantial evidence. DNA test results on a bloody bandana now prove his innocence and point to the involvement of another man. Prosecutors joined with the Innocence Project today in requesting that Morton’s conviction be overturned and he be released. Today’s release underlines the vast damage caused by Morton’s wrongful conviction. The DNA profile of the unnamed male found at the Morton crime scene is also linked to a later murder in nearby Travis County — a crime that might have been prevented if law enforcement had continued its investigation instead of building a case against Morton. For Morton, who has proclaimed his innocence throughout his long ordeal, today was a long time coming. He was embraced by family and friends upon being freed, and spoke briefly to media inside the Williamson County Courthouse. Prosecutorial misconduct and a complete disregard for the truth led to Morton’s conviction in 1987, and it’s likely that Morton would never have been convicted had prosecutors shared key evidence of his innocence with defense. Several critical documents were obtained through a Public Records Act request since Morton’s conviction, and they paint a startling picture of injustice. Among the evidence withheld from defense are an account from Morton’s three-year-old son that someone other than Morton committed the crime and reported use of a credit card and checks stolen from the Morton’s home. Read more about Morton’s case here. While we join with Michael Morton and his family in celebrating his freedom today, it’s also a somber day to reflect on the double injustice suffered by his family — and on a murder that possibly could have been prevented. We are committed to working to prevent wrongful convictions like Michael Morton’s in the future, and we’re honored to have you with us as a member of our community. Warm Regards, Maddy deLone Executive Director The Innocence Project Spread the Word Help spread the word about wrongful convictions by sharing this story via Email, Facebook and Twitter The Innocence Project 40 Worth St., Suite 701, New York, NY 10013 © 2011 The Innocence Project. All Rights Reserved.