The Latest: Murder case against long-held LA man dismissed
LOS ANGELES – The Latest on the overturning of a murder conviction of a man imprisoned more than three decades (all times local):
10:15 a.m.
A Los Angeles judge has ordered the release of a man who spent more than three decades in prison for murder after prosecutors conceded he did not get a fair trial.
The district attorney’s office said during a hearing Wednesday in Superior Court that there were errors in the case against 62-year-old Andrew Wilson.
Judge Laura Priver granted a motion to dismiss the case.
Wilson quietly said “Thank you” to the judge, who replied, “You are welcome Mr. Wilson.”
He has maintained his innocence since his arrest in 1984 for the killing of 21-year-old Christopher Hanson in Los Angeles.
A bailiff un-cuffed Wilson immediately but he’s not expected to be processed out of custody until later Wednesday or Thursday.
Another hearing will be held to determine whether he is factually innocent.
___
Los Angeles County prosecutors are expected to request the release of a man who has spent more than three decades in prison for a murder they say he didn’t commit.
Lawyers for Andrew Leander Wilson say the district attorney’s office on Wednesday will ask a Superior Court judge to order that the 62-year-old be released immediately.
Prosecutors are expected to announce that they no longer have confidence in Wilson’s conviction. He was arrested in 1984 but attorneys didn’t immediately provide details of the crime.
Wilson’s lawyer, Paula Mitchell, says numerous due-process violations recently came to light that show Wilson did not receive a fair trial.
The district attorney’s office has said it would not retry Wilson.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.