Cleared of Murder, Morton Seeks Accountability
Editor's Note: This story has been updated throughout with additional details from Monday's court proceedings.
GEORGETOWN — A beaming Michael Morton kissed the piece of paper he had been waiting nearly 25 years for on Monday after Judge Sid Harle stepped down from the bench, shook his hand and gave him the order that officially cleared him of his wife’s 1986 murder.
"This is a happy day, obviously," Morton said after the court proceeding, his voice quaking. "But let's not forget this was a horrible crime. My wife's brains were splattered all over the bedroom, the ...
Comments (10)
Donald Dickson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I'm waiting and hoping for the other shoe to drop.
Jeff Davis via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Somebody show me how the DNA evidence ''proves'' this man did not kill his wife. I've heard this over and over on TV news and even seen it in print. ''Proves his innocence'' is another direct quote. I've read everything I can find on this case and all the DNA evidence ''proves'' is that another man's DNA was found at the scene. What am I missing?
Jeff Davis via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Yes, I'm sensitive to the facts about possible DA misconduct, and yes, this man deserves every consideration after serving 25 years for a crime he may not have committed ... but I can think of several scenarios in which he could be guilty. Obviously someone found him guilty 25 years ago ... on some kind of evidence.
Jeff Davis via Texas Tribune on Facebook
So why ''automatic'' dismissal? Why not a re-trial? I'm thinking that in another 25 years, perhaps on his deathbed, he might 'fess up to the murder.
Bruce McCann via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Dear Jeff, the accused does not have a responsibility to prove innocence; the state must prove guilt. The state has a duty to provide the accused will all exculpatory evidence, and they failed that duty in this case. It is much easier to win a conviction if the state does not provide this evidence to the defendant. The prosecutor is required to seek justice, not a conviction. Justice may mean exoneration. It is the prosecutor who must defend his actions now.
Rick Scott McGuckin via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Jeff, please go on, I'm fascinated by your ability to have lots of opinions.
Claud Henry Smoot
@JeffDavis
Seriously? Retrial? A bandana found outside his house,with another person's DNA, which was also found at another murder scene while Morton was in prison, his son said daddy wasn't there and that a monster with a big moustache did it, neighbors saw a strange van parked in the neighborhood the days before the murder, a check was cashed in Morton wife's name and her credit card was used after her death.
What would be reasonable doubt for you? Moreover, the better question is what evidence is there that Morton did it?
Claud Henry Smoot
@Rick Scott McGuckin
Awesome.
Dale Curry
Finally some justice in Wilco. As to Anderson's attorney's assurances that his client will be exonerated, perhaps. I certainly hope he is not. But the most probable outcome for both is that their political future is now dead.
bluelily216@gmail.com Kruse
I think this is pathetic, and an unfortunately reoccurring theme in a sometimes corrupt and negligent judicial system. I think, as a prosecutor or judge or governor (I'm looking at you Perry!) You should be treated just as any other criminal. If you ruin a life, expect yours to be ruined as well. In irder for a free society to work, we all need to know that justice will served at all times, no matter the offender.