Texas court exonerates man who spent nearly 20 years on death row for 1977 murder

After nearly 47 years, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals this week exonerated an individual for a 1977 murder, declaring them innocent of a crime for which they spent nearly 20 years on death row. The court’s opinion highlighted allegations of misconduct by the state, including the withholding of evidence favorable to the accused and false testimony presented during the original trial. The case involved multiple trials and appeals, with the accused being found guilty in the first trial, which was later overturned due to misconduct. DNA testing conducted in 1999 did not match the accused. The star witness who testified against the accused later recanted his testimony, admitting he lied to protect himself. Before a fourth trial, the accused accepted a plea deal for murder and was released upon serving 20 years. They have now been formally found innocent of the murder. The case highlights the importance of addressing misconduct and ensuring justice is served.