DNA helps free Texas man convicted in wife's death

[Contrary1]

Good thing he wasn't given the death penalty, huh?


"GEORGETOWN, Texas — Texas prosecutors agreed Monday to release an Austin man who spent nearly 25 years in prison for beating his wife to death — but always maintained his innocence — after DNA tests showed another man was responsible.

District Judge Sid Harle recommended Michael Morton go free to the state Court of Criminal Appeals, which will make the final determination on overturning his conviction. Morton is set for release Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning, following a final hearing before Harle.

The case will likely raise more questions about John Bradley, district attorney for Williamson County north of Austin and once a Gov. Rick Perry appointee to head the Texas Forensic Science Commission. Bradley criticized the commission's investigation of the case of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was executed in 2004 after being convicted of arson in the deaths of his three children. Experts have since concluded that case's forensic science was faulty.

The Innocence Project, a New York-based organization that specializes in using DNA testing to overturn wrongful convictions, has accused Bradley of suppressing evidence that would have helped clear Morton, who was convicted on circumstantial evidence and sentenced to life in prison for his wife's August 1986 beating death..."

More: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44760649/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

[rhett o rick]

1. Poor Rick Perry. One got away. nm

[Historic NY]

2. Thank God for the Innocence Project...........

I'm not shocked Texas hid the evidence that could have freed him sooner...sure says a lots about the Texas Criminal Justice System.

[alphafemale]

3. Any prosecutor cop or DA found to have railroaded a person into prison should go there themselves.

Only thing that might put some fear about doing this shit into these fuckers. Right into the prison they've sent so many people.

Enjoy your stay. Doubt you'll be there long.

[Edweird]

4. See? It WAS the one armed man!

[Nye Bevan]

5. I hope this guy gets millions in compensation (nt)

[DCKit]

6. Fucking Texas. Again.

The cesspool of justice.

[Kber]

7. After 25 years, I hope he can find some kind of peace and justice

And remember, in most cases, for every innocent person who spends time in prison wrongfully convicted by a tainted or corrupt process, another murderer goes scott free. After 25 years, I'd say that the chances of seeing justice for the murder victim is slim to none.