Los Angeles court judge William C. Ryan ruled Hastings innocent after new DNA findings related to the murder revealed that he belonged to someone else.
Stating that he was very happy after the decision, Hastings said, “This is very meaningful. Thank you very much for the judge’s decision and apology. Everything is perfect today. I am ready to continue with my life.” used the phrases.
District Attorney George Gaskon, who made a statement on the subject, said Hastings woke up from a nightmare.
Prosecutor Gaskon added that Hastings had fought to prove his innocence for nearly 40 years without losing hope.
Awaiting compensation
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 imprisonment in 1988 by the decision of the jury.
While Hastings’ previous DNA test requests were rejected, his application in 2021 was accepted.
In a statement made by the district attorney’s office in 2022, it was determined that the DNA found on the victim belonged to another prisoner, Kenneth Packnett, who died in prison.
The Los Angeles court had released Hastings in October 2022, at the request of attorneys.