Man's murder, rape convictions overturned Advanced DNA testing cleared 42-year-old; he spent 19 yea

Man's murder, rape convictions overturned Advanced DNA testing cleared 42-year-old; he spent 19 years in prison

www.msnbc.msn.com

UTICA, N.Y. - After more than 19 years in prison for a murder prosecutors now agree he didn't commit, Steve Barnes has rejoined his family just in time for Thanksgiving.

Barnes walked out of Oneida County Court a free man Tuesday after a judge ruled that advanced DNA testing cleared him of raping and killing 16-year-old Kimberly Simon in 1985.

"I'm overwhelmed. This is the happiest day of my life," said Barnes, now 42. "I've been waiting for this day for 20 years. I never gave up hope. I knew this day would eventually come."

(visit the link for the full news article)

This makes me happy. Im so glad that technology can help to play a part in freeing an innocent man. Another reason, for me, not to have the death penalty in most cases. This guy was more than guilty of a crime he did not commit. Rape and murder. If that were Texas, he' most probably been sent to the gas chamber by now. I do feel bad for the victim's family. They have to re open wounds to hope and search to find the real killer now.

The innocence project is a great tool for inmates who are wrongfully accused. Just another organization, that if you feel like donating this holiday season, should be on your mind.

www.msnbc.msn.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

and that is why some people dont agree with death sentence - what if that person is innocent and new advances in technology will prove it some day? would be sad to execute someone only to find out they were innocent

How and who should compensate this man for the lost 19 years of his life? That is 19 years that he can NEVER get back.