After spending more than 30 years behind the bar for murders he didn’t commit, Humbel Duran finally received a formal apology for being wrongfully convicted.
Released from prison two years ago, Duran was convicted in 1993 of the East Los Angeles murder based on one eyewitness account. He maintained his innocence as the year passed him, and in the end the witness repeated their testimony.
“It’s a big deal to show the world that I am innocent, not just my family,” said Duran, who was 18 when he was convicted.
The court on Friday declared Duran effectively innocent.
“After a careful review of the facts and analysis of the law, people have determined that Mr. Duran has met the legal burden of establishing a popular remedy based on the basis of the cumulative error on the grounds of cumulative error.
Duran faced life in prison on December 18, 1993, shooting the death of Albert Gonzalez, who was killed in his driveway at his home. The ju umpire then convicted Duran of first-degree murder and attempted a planned murder.
“He has maintained his innocence for 32 years and it’s really important and emotional to stand in front of a judge who apologised for this belief and clearly stated that Beto is absolutely innocent,” said Megan Baka, a supporter of nonprofit California Innocence.
The man admitted that after decades of prison he lost hope for his freedom. Therefore, he expressed despair to his mother during her visit.
“She told me, ‘One day I was going to leave. I saved some of your clothes and jackets,'” I said, ‘I will never go outside, you might get rid of it too,’ Duran said.
Since his release, Duran is grateful that he has been able to regain his freedom. However, he felt a lot of emotions upon his release, but he includes the anger of lost time with his family.
“It’s not just time,” he said. “They’re doing time with you, right?”
Now his focus is to move forward.
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