Three American prisoners have been released after spending 24 years behind bars for two murders they did not commit.

A New York state court ordered the release of three men who had spent 24 years in prison for a double murder in 1996 that, according to the latest conviction, they did not actually commit.

Judge Joseph A. Zayas repudiated the prosecution for concealing evidence that would have called into question the sentence imposed on George Bell, 44; Gary Johnson, 46, and Rohan Bolt, 59, for the December 21, 1996 murders of Ira “Mike” Epstein and a police officer on leave, Charles Davis, in an attack on Epstein’s check-cashing business. According to an article by TelemundoDavis lost his life in his efforts to protect Epstein while off duty to provide security for the company under attack in Queens.

“The prosecutor’s office intentionally withheld credible information from the defense that others were responsible for the crime. This exculpatory information was in the possession of the prosecution and was even documented and investigated by the chief prosecutor during Mr. Bell’s trial. “, underlined the judge. For the magistrate, the prosecution “has completely abdicated its function of seeking the truth in these cases”.

Up to five witnesses gave versions that directly contradicted the accused’s confession and the defense then argued, providing evidence that the confession was obtained under duress.

An 11-month investigation by the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) of the Queens District Attorney’s Office, which collected the versions of more than 30 witnesses, determined that prosecutors at the time of the trial had failed. not revealed information favorable to the defense of the three prisoners. This key information includes documents indicating that a member of the “Speedstick” armed gang involved himself and other gang members in the robbery and murders. And there are also the mental health records of an alleged accomplice who implicated the defendants and testified against two of the men.

“These prosecutors did not intentionally mislead the court, but we cannot ignore the fundamental injustice that key exculpatory evidence was never revealed during the trial. The constitutional guarantees of our criminal justice system have failed here, and the result has deprived everyone involved of the certainty and purpose of justice in this case, ”said SDI Director Bryce Benjet.

The three convicts were released on bail Friday and a hearing will take place in June which could finally confirm his innocence.

With information from EuropaPress

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