Gordon Cordeiro, a man who spent 30 years in prison for a murder he denied committing, was ordered to be released by a judge in Hawaii based on new DNA evidence and other factors. The case involved the 1994 killing of Timothy Blaisdell during a drug deal robbery on Maui. Cordeiro’s first trial resulted in a hung jury, but he was later found guilty and sentenced to life without parole. The Hawaii Innocence Project argued for his release, citing new evidence, ineffectiveness of his attorney, and prosecutorial misconduct. The judge ruled that the new evidence would likely change the outcome of another trial against Cordeiro.
After his release, Cordeiro referred to the day as “Freedom Friday” and expressed gratitude to his supporters and those who worked on his case. He was emotional when he was declared innocent, feeling a sense of relief and thankfulness. Despite plans for an appeal from the prosecutor’s office, Cordeiro was eager to visit his mother and readjust to life as a free man.
Cordeiro’s attorneys believe that the police mishandled the case from the start, with unreliable informants and false testimony leading to his wrongful conviction. New DNA evidence excluded Cordeiro as the source of DNA on the victim’s body, raising questions about the initial investigation and subsequent trial. Cordeiro, now 51, maintained his innocence throughout his time in prison and was ultimately vindicated by the judge’s ruling.
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