Thomas Clifford McGowan/Dallas man to be freed by DNA testing after 23 years in priso

[wheezer]

DALLAS — A man who spent nearly 23 years in prison for a rape he did not commit is expected to be released this week.

Thomas Clifford McGowan, 49, is expected to be released Wednesday as part of a court hearing in Dallas County. A DNA test earlier this month showed that McGowan is innocent of the 1985 rape of a Dallas-area woman. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Innocence Project Co-Director Barry Scheck says the rape victim misidentified her attacker and police used faulty procedures in the photo lineup.

McGowan would be the 16th Dallas County man exonerated by DNA testing since 2001, the most of any county in the nation.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5702376.html

[wheezer]

23 Years After Improper Photo Lineup Led to Wrongful Conviction, DNA Proves Thomas McGowan's Innocence in Dallas County Rape



Thomas McGowan, who has spent 23 years in prison for a Dallas County rape and burglary that DNA testing now proves he did not commit, is expected to be released from prison tomorrow, according to the Innocence Project, which represents him.

In two separate trials in 1985 and 1986, McGowan was convicted of aggravated sexual assault and burglary and sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison. DNA testing on a rape kit collected from the victim proves that he was not the man who broke into her home in May 1985, stole several items and raped her.

A hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday (April 16) before Judge Susan Hawk in 291st District Court, on the 7th floor of the Frank Crowley Courts Building (133 N. Industrial Blvd. in Texas). McGowan and his relatives – with Innocence Project Co-Director Barry Scheck and Staff Attorney Jason Kreag – will speak to reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing.

http://innocenceinstitute.blogspot.com/2008/04/23-years-after-improper-photo-lineup.html

You will need to click on the link for the rest of story.

[packy]

23 years lost. I'd be insane.

[wheezer]

23 years lost. I'd be insane.

You and me both. Plus the anger.