Judge vacates double-murder conviction of a Chicago man; cites evidence supporting innocence

2024-12-24 08:36:51 source: category:Markets

A judge on Tuesday vacated the double-murder conviction of a Chicago man who has spent the last 34 years in prison for the shooting deaths of two 14-year-old boys.

Francisco Benitez, 52, maintained his innocence in a motion for post-conviction relief, saying he had an alibi for the April 28, 1989, slayings of Prudencio Cruz and William Sanchez and that he was being framed by Chicago police detectives.

Cook County Judge Sophia Atcherson made the ruling, citing evidence supporting Benitez’s innocence presented during a hearing earlier this year. She released Benitez on a personal recognizance bond with electronic monitoring.

However, Benitez still faces murder charges because prosecutors haven’t dropped the case.

“This has been a very, very long road, and I’m glad my son is coming home,” his mother, Betty Benitez, said.

More:Markets

Recommend

Why California takes weeks to count votes, while states like Florida are faster

Follow AP’s coverage of the election and what happens next. WASHINGTON (AP) — One week after Elec

Democrats try to block Green Party from presidential ballot in Wisconsin, citing legal issues

MADISON, Wis . (AP) — A member of the Democratic National Committee filed a complaint Wednesday seek

Jim Harbaugh wants to hire Colin Kaepernick to Chargers' coaching staff. Will the QB bite?

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Colin Kaepernick has a door open to return to the NFL in what would be a grand