A convict who spent 28 years incarcerated for rape and assault charges could have a shot at freedom after another prisoner confessed to the crime.
Clarence Moses-El was convicted of raping and assaulting a victim in 1988. He was sentenced to 48 years, but Denver District Judge Kandace Gerdes ordered a new trial for Moses-El, saying he would likely be acquitted after another man confessed to the crime.
Protesters gathered outside the Webb Municipal Building Friday morning to rally for Moses-El's freedom.
"The fact that we have to plead for an innocent man to be released speaks volumes to what we do in our criminal justice system," said Rev. Terrance Hughes.
Another inmate, LC Jackson, allegedly confessed to the crime. District Attorney Mitch Morrissey released a statement claiming Jackson had recounted that confession in an interview.
"[Jackson] said he had been told by the Innocence Project that he couldn’t be charged in the matter because of the statute of limitations, so he felt he could tell a few lies to help out Moses-El," the statement read.
Protesters claim much of the case brought on Moses-El relied heavily on testimony from the victim who "dreamed" he was the attacker.
However, the DA stated the victim's injuries were so bad, she slipped into a coma, thus her testimony took longer to collect.
---------
Sign up for Denver7 email alerts to stay informed about breaking news and daily headlines.
