New DNA Evidence Frees Hawaii Man Who Maintained Innocence
Judge Orders Release of Gordon Cordeiro After 30 Years in Prison
A Hawaii man who spent 30 years in prison for a murder he long denied committing declared the day “Freedom Friday” and said he was eager to visit his mother after a judge ordered him released because of new DNA evidence.
New Evidence Leads to Release
There were gasps and cries in the courtroom when Judge Kirstin Hamman said, “And the judgement and sentence is vacated and the defendant is ordered to be released from custody,” before a Zoom feed broadcasting the hearing suddenly turned off.
She ruled that new evidence, including DNA test results, would likely change the outcome of another trial against Gordon Cordeiro.
The Case
The case involves the 1994 killing of Timothy Blaisdell during a drug deal robbery on the island of Maui.
Cordeiro’s first trial ended in a hung jury, with only one juror voting to convict him. But he was later found guilty of murder, robbery, and attempted murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
New DNA Evidence
The Hawaii Innocence Project took up his case, and during a hearing this week, it argued that Cordeiro must be released on the grounds of new evidence proving his innocence, ineffectiveness of his previous attorney, and prosecutorial misconduct.
According to court documents filed by Cordeiro’s attorneys, he was wrongfully convicted in part because police relied upon four jailhouse informants motivated by promises of reduced sentences and fabricated murder-for-hire plots.
Reaction to the Ruling
Maui County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin said he was disappointed in the ruling and “None of the judge’s findings exonerate him in any way.”
His office intends to appeal and file a motion seeking to impose bail on Cordeiro’s release, Martin added, saying there is a flight risk because a murder charge is involved.
Conclusion
Gordon Cordeiro’s release is a significant step towards justice, and his case serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that our criminal justice system is fair and just for all individuals.
FAQs
What is the case about?
The case involves the 1994 killing of Timothy Blaisdell during a drug deal robbery on the island of Maui.
What is the new evidence that led to Cordeiro’s release?
New DNA evidence, including DNA test results, was found to be significant and would likely change the outcome of another trial against Gordon Cordeiro.
What does the prosecution say about the ruling?
Maui County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin said he was disappointed in the ruling and that none of the judge’s findings exonerate Cordeiro in any way.
What does the future hold for Cordeiro?
Cordeiro is expected to be released and is eager to visit his mother and start rebuilding his life outside of prison.
