New DNA Evidence Frees Innocent Man 35 Years Later

[Richard Polk]

The only thing he'll get from the state is lifetime probation and maybe a mill if he has no prior felony convictions.



Sad, very sad.

 

[Dennis Smink]

That is unbelievably sad. I wonder if what a child says in court is given that much sway still. Seems to me that it really should be taken with a grain of salt. Another bad part about this is that the judges denied his request for DNA testing for 8 years!

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Makes you wonder how many other people are serving sentences for crimes they didn't committ....or worse, people that have been put to death for a murder they didn't commit.



TJR

 

[Tom Schindler]

Another bad part about this is that the judges denied his request for DNA testing for 8 years!

The judge should have to pay for his crime against that innocent man.





Tom

 

[EddieS'04]

Here in Texas, it is hard core. I bet 20% are wronly convicted.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

I understand that years ago we did not have DNA. And, I understand that it can get very expensive to do DNA testing.



That said, for anyone in prison that wants DNA testing, should be afforded the opportunity. If it is a cost thing, then charge the person, if they are found innocent, then they get their money back plus whatever other monies they are due.



Tuff position for all. The state or the people.



Glad he is free after so long, but what a waste of his life...

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Fast Eddie,



Pretty sad when, as Ron White says, Texas has an "express lane" for death penalty inmates.



TJR

 

[Larry Gamble]

I don't know about Florida, but in Wisconsin he'd be getting a big fat check for 20k times the 35 years spent locked up. Not much compensation for the lost years, but it's something.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

I agree, a very hard way to earn the money...

 

[Les]

I don't know about Florida, but in Wisconsin he'd be getting a big fat check for 20k times the 35 years spent locked up. Not much compensation for the lost years, but it's something.

Florida law passed last year pays $50,000 for every year served...$1,750,000