A man who spent 38 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit was able to regain his freedom after DNA evidence pointed to another suspect who died Friday, according to the New York Post.
Maurice Hastings, aged 69, was convicted in 1983 of the murder of Roberta Weidermere, who was shot dead. It was found in the trunk of his car.
Mr. Hastings was first tried for murder in special circumstances. The prosecutor’s office had requested the death penalty, but the juror at the time was unable to reach a verdict.
He appeared in court again and was convicted of murder, robbery and sexual assault. In 1988, a jury sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
He was also convicted of two attempted murders, of Mrs. Weidermere’s husband and friend, although there was absolutely no evidence linking Mr. Hastings to the original murder in Englewood, Los Angeles.
But Maurice Hastings has always maintained his innocence.
“What happened to Mr. Hastings is a terrible injustice,” wrote attorney George Gascon.
