October 28, 2009
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Dewey Bozella freed after 26 years in prison on murder conviction
 Bozella: "I'm very happy" |
In 1977, Bozella was convicted of the murder of 92 year-old Emma Crapser. It wasn’t until October 14, 2009 that Supreme Court Justice James Rooney ruled that the conviction was wrongful on the basis that the Dutchess County district attorney failed to disclose to Bozella evidence relevant to his case that proves his innocence. Court papers did not identify the district attorney handling the case almost three decades ago.
Judge Rooney noted that there was never any physical evidence incriminating Bozella in the first place and that the evidence that was not disclosed to him until his lawyers discovered it in 2008 reveals the true culprit.
Throughout his ordeal Bozella has maintained his innocence but he was denied parole four times.
“I could never admit to something I didn’t do,” said Bozella as he got his first taste of freedom in almost three decades on the steps of the Dutchess County Courthouse. “I’m very happy. It’s going to take a little while before it really rubs in but I’m glad that it’s at this stage now where I’m on the other side of the wall and the judge said ‘Let him go’.”
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