A Hawaii man was freed after spending 30 years in jail for a homicide he says he didn’t commit, and a few of the first issues he did after his launch was get pleasure from a steak dinner and go to his mom’s grave.
Gordon Cordeiro had his freedom secured on Friday after a decide ordered him launched in gentle of latest DNA proof that led to the overturning of his conviction within the 1994 deadly capturing of Timothy Blaisdell on the island of Maui.
Cordeiro’s mom, Paulette, died in September 1994, a month earlier than her son was arrested. She died on the age of 49 from ALS, typically known as Lou Gehrig’s illness. Cordeiro and his sisters had taken turns caring for her earlier than her passing.
“Thanks for trying over me,” Cordeiro recalled saying at her grave simply hours after his launch on Friday, he instructed The Related Press. “Conserving me secure.”
CONNECTICUT TO AWARD NEARLY $6 MILLION TO FAMILY OF DISABLED MAN WRONGFULLY IMPRISONED FOR MURDER CONVICTION
Gordon Cordeiro, who spent 30 years in jail for a homicide he mentioned he didn’t commit, visits the grave of his mom on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, in Makawao, Hawaii, hours after a decide ordered his launch. (Denise Cordeiro by way of AP)
Cordeiro mentioned he typically thought of his mom throughout his time behind bars. He mentioned he was along with her and constructing shelving models for the household when Blaisdell was shot and killed throughout a drug deal theft.
After having fun with a steak dinner at a steak home and visiting his mom’s grave, he celebrated with household at his father’s home. The following day, he went to different kin’ graves and made a visit to Costco.
“It feels regular,” he instructed The Related Press.
Maui, nonetheless, has modified lots throughout his time in jail, Cordeiro mentioned, citing the historic city of Lahaina being destroyed by a wildfire in 2023.
He additionally identified that expertise and its consumption have modified.
“All people is their telephones,” he mentioned.
Gordon Cordeiro enjoys dinner at a steak home Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, in Kahului, Hawaii, hours after a decide ordered him launched due to new proof. (AP)
Cordeiro solely had a pager earlier than he was despatched to jail. He now has a smartphone, however mentioned he’s “not watching it but. It retains beeping and messages coming in, and it’s completely different.”
Decide Kirstin Hamman introduced Friday that Cordeiro’s sentence was vacated and that he was to be launched from custody. She dominated that new proof, together with DNA take a look at outcomes, would possible change the result of one other trial.
Maui County Prosecuting Legal professional Andrew Martin mentioned he plans to attraction and search to have bail imposed on Cordeiro’s launch.
Cordeiro’s first trial resulted in a hung jury, as just one juror voted to convict him. He was later discovered responsible of homicide, theft and tried homicide, and he was sentenced to life with out the opportunity of parole.
PHILLY MAN EXONERATED AFTER SERVING 24 YEARS FOR MURDER CONVICTION HAS BEEN CONVICTED IN SEPARATE KILLING
Gordon Cordeiro was freed after a decide ordered him launched in gentle of latest DNA proof that led to the overturning of his conviction within the 1994 deadly capturing of Timothy Blaisdell. (iStock)
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After his conviction, new testing on bodily proof from the scene excluded him because the supply of DNA on Blaisdell’s physique and different crime scene proof, in keeping with the Hawaii Innocence Mission. A DNA profile of an unidentified particular person was additionally discovered on the within pockets of Blaisdell’s denims.
“Thank God for brand spanking new DNA,” Cordeiro mentioned Saturday. “Know-how is superior.”
Cordeiro mentioned his speedy plans embrace fixing vehicles, serving to together with his dad’s home and “perhaps giving again to the group just a little bit.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
