Hilton Keller Released After 33 Years in Prison Amid Questions About Witness
New Developments in the Case
Gertrude Barber was waiting outside Cook County Jail on Monday night when her nephew walked out a free man after 33 years behind bars.
"You’re free, you’re free!" Barber said as she embraced Hilton Keller, 52. "Thank God Almighty, free at last!"
Judge Throws Out Murder Conviction
A judge on Monday threw out a murder conviction that had sent Keller to prison, citing questions raised by the defense about a witness.
Witness’s Credibility Under Fire
Defense attorneys claim the witness lied when he said Keller robbed and killed music and game store owner Ollie Jones on the South Side in May 1991. They also contend prosecutors knew there were questions about the witness but kept that information from Keller’s defense.
Keller’s Reaction
"It’s been extremely difficult going through this experience, being so young and going through such a traumatic experience," Keller told reporters outside the jail after he was released.
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Responds
The Cook County state’s attorney’s office released a statement saying it was "reviewing the court’s decision ordering a new trial in this case. At this time, the case remains pending litigation, and we are unable to further comment."
Hearing Set for Next Month
A hearing in the case has been set for next month.
Keller’s Plans
Keller said that now that he’s out, he hopes to learn some of the new technology he missed during the three-plus decades he spent incarcerated. But first, he mostly wants to "eat some food. Maybe some ribs or something."
"I missed a lot, you know, and I just want to get back to living," Keller said.
Keller’s Innocence
Keller, who was 18 years old at the time of the murder, has maintained his innocence. His attorneys say they will file for a certificate of innocence after the new year.
Lawyer’s Statement
"In the 20 years I have been working on wrongful convictions, I have never seen a more egregious case of framing an innocent man," Keller’s lawyer, Stuart Chanen, said in a statement. "It would have taken just 10 minutes of actual police work to determine that Keller was innocent."
Message of Hope
Keller also addressed others who are potentially in the same situation as he was but are still in prison, saying that he hoped they could take "some hope out of this."
"I’m just extremely thankful. And again, I want those that are still in prison, that are fighting and thinking it’s impossible, it’s not impossible," he said. "Keep fighting, keep fighting, and that is how you get back."
Barber’s Emotional Reunion
Barber became emotional when recalling the moments Keller stepped out of jail after she and other loved ones waited nine hours. "It was just wonderful," Barber said. "I’ve been hurting for my nephew for a long time."
Conclusion
Hilton Keller’s release after 33 years in prison is a testament to the importance of questioning witness credibility and the power of perseverance. As Keller looks to rebuild his life, he hopes to inspire others who are fighting for their freedom to stay strong and keep fighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Hilton Keller charged with?
A: Keller was charged with the murder of Ollie Jones in 1991.
Q: How long was Hilton Keller in prison?
A: Keller was in prison for 33 years.
Q: Why was his conviction thrown out?
A: The conviction was thrown out due to questions raised by the defense about a witness’s credibility.
Q: What does Hilton Keller plan to do now that he’s out of prison?
A: Keller plans to spend Christmas with his girlfriend and will join his loved ones for New Year’s.
