Claiming Innocence, Convicted Killer Is Freed
From Times Wire Reports
A man who spent 40 years behind bars for the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl walked out of prison in Graterford, insisting he was innocent and offering condolences to the victim’s family.
Louis Mickens-Thomas, 75, said he never harmed Edith Connor, whose body was discovered behind his shop in 1964. Mickens-Thomas claimed that a crime lab’s fraud led to his conviction.
A federal appeals court ruled Jan. 14 that state parole officials showed “vindictiveness” in refusing to consider parole and ordered his release.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
