Francisco Benitez, 52, was released from Cook County Jail on Tuesday after being wrongfully imprisoned for 34 years for a 1989 double murder. A recent court hearing saw his conviction overturned based on new evidence, with two eyewitnesses now asserting that Benitez was not the murderer.
He has consistently maintained his innocence, alleging that he was framed by Chicago Police Department detectives from Area 5. Following the judge’s decision, an emotional reunion with his family ensued outside the jail.
Although he was released on a personal recognizance bond and will be under electronic monitoring, the prosecution has not formally dropped the murder charges against him. Upon his release, Benitez described his newfound freedom as “indescribable”, and his family plans to celebrate with a meal from a local hot dog vendor.
