A Missouri judge on Tuesday overturned the conviction of a man who has served nearly 28 years of a life sentence for a killing that he has always said he didn't commit.
Lamar Johnson, 50, closed his eyes and shook his head slightly as a member of his legal team patted him on the back when Circuit Judge David Mason issued his ruling. In coming to his decision, Mason explained that there had to be "reliable evidence of actual innocence - evidence so reliable that it actually passes the standard of clear and convincing."
Johnson's attorneys blasted the state attorney general's office after the hearing, saying it "never stopped claiming Lamar was guilty and was comfortable to have him languish and die in prison." Johnson was convicted of murder for the October 1994 killing of Marcus Boyd, who was shot to death on his front porch by two masked men. Police and prosecutors blamed the killing on a dispute over drug money. Johnson maintained his innocence from the outset, saying he was with his girlfriend miles away when the crime occurred.
James Howard, 46, is serving a life sentence for murder and several other crimes that happened three years after Boyd was killed. He testified at the hearing that he and Campbell decided to rob Boyd, who owed one of their friends money from the sale of drugs. He also said Johnson wasn't there.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Missouri judge vacates Lamar Johnson's murder convictionAn investigation into Johnson's conviction found prosecutorial misconduct, and two other men have confessed to the crime.
Read more »
Lamar Johnson released: Missouri judge vacates conviction of man imprisoned nearly 3 decadesA Missouri judge on Tuesday overturned the conviction of a man who has served nearly 28 years of a life sentence for a killing that he has always said he didn't commit.
Read more »
Broome, Johnson Lead Auburn Rout of Missouri 89-56 - Alabama NewsIn what Auburn coach Bruce Pearl called “a must-win for us,” the Tigers defeated Missouri 89-56. auburnbasketball auburntigers alabamanewsnetwork
Read more »
Judge vacates conviction of man imprisoned nearly 3 decadesA Missouri judge has overturned the conviction of a man who has served nearly 28 years of a life sentence for a killing that he has always said he didn’t commit.
Read more »
Judge overturns murder conviction of Missouri man imprisoned for nearly 3 decadesA Missouri judge on Tuesday overturned the conviction of a man who has served nearly 28 years of a life sentence for a killing that he has always said he didn't commit. Lamar Johnson, 50, closed his eyes and shook his head when the ruling was issued.
Read more »