Court decided: Innocent man was jailed for 38 years for nothing

Los Angeles court judge William C. Ryan ruled Hastings innocent after new DNA findings related to the murder revealed it belonged to someone else.

Stating that he was very happy after the decision, Hastings said: “This is very significant. Thank you very much for the judge’s decision and apology. Everything is perfect today. I am ready to move on with my life,” he said.

District Attorney George Gaskon, who made a statement on the matter, said Hastings woke up from a nightmare.

YOU CAN OPEN A CASE FOR DAMAGES

Prosecutor Gaskon added that Hastings had fought to prove his innocence for almost 40 years without giving up hope.

After the verdict, Hastings is expected to file a lawsuit for damages.

Hastings, who was tried for the death penalty for raping and murdering a woman named Roberta Wydermyer, was sentenced to life in prison in 1988 by jury decision.

While Hastings’ previous DNA test requests were denied, his 2021 request was accepted.

In a statement issued by the prosecution in 2022, it was determined that the DNA found on the victim belonged to another inmate, Kenneth Packnett, who died in prison.

The Los Angeles court had released Hastings in October 2022, at the request of the lawyers. (AA)