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some ragedy ass $175k for 27 years.
An Oklahoma inmate who served more than 28 years behind bars was released from prison after a judge overturned his conviction for a 1991 murder.
Corey Atchison became a free man Tuesday after Tulsa County District Judge Sharon Holmes concluded he was innocent in the slaying of James Wayne nearly 30 years ago. Police have said that the victim was fatally shot during what appeared to be a gang-related robbery back in 1990.
Attorneys argued Atchison’s conviction was based primarily on the account of a single witness, who has admitted he was coerced into testifying against the 48-year-old Tulsa man.
Family members and supporters of Corey Atchison celebrate in front of the Tulsa County Courthouse after Judge Sharon Holmes declared him innocent in a 1991 murder case, in Tulsa, Okla., Tuesday. (Mike Simons/AP)
Atchison, who has always maintained his innocence, had been serving a life sentence in connection with Wayne’s death. He was only 20 years old when the incident occurred.
He’d been in the area with some friends at the time of the shooting and arrested six months later.
Holmes’ finding of “actual innocence” makes Atchison eligible for up to $175,000 in compensation for a wrongful conviction under Oklahoma state law.
Prosecutors have already filed a notice appeal on the ruling while former District Attorney, Tim Harris, who prosecuted the case as assistant district attorney, has filed an affidavit denying that he’s ever coerced a witness.
some ragedy ass $175k for 27 years.