CHICAGO (AP) — Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx is dropping the case against two men who’ve been imprisoned since 1995 for a double murder they say they didn’t commit.
Earlier this week, prosecutors argued that Roberto Almodovar and William Negron shouldn’t receive a new trial. But in a Wednesday statement Foxx reversed course, saying prosecutors would withdraw their opposition after a “thorough and deliberate” evidence review.
Detective Reynaldo Guevara helped gather evidence against the men. He’s since been accused of coercing witnesses. In 2015, a state appellate court ruled the case deserved closer scrutiny.
A final hearing is Friday when Almodovar could be released. Negron is expected to remain imprisoned on a different murder conviction.
Almodovar’s attorney says Foxx’s office did the right thing and it’s been a long struggle for the men.
