Texas Death Row Inmate Freed After 17 Years
Today, Ernest Willis, age 59, was ordered released from a Texas prison after serving 17 years for a crime he did not commit. Faulty arson investigation techniques may have contributed to Willis' conviction.
Ori White, district attorney in Pecos County since 1997, said Tuesday that there were strong indications the fire was an accident. There was no motive in the case, and a close relative of Willis' was barely able to escape the burning home. Even if a crime was involved, White said, "I don't think the man is guilty."
Willis is the 8th Texas prisoner to be released from death row since the death penalty was reinstated in 1974. Here's more on his case.
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