Philadelphia Man Back On Trial, Two Years After Overturned Conviction
by Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- After being clear by DNA evidence a Philadelphia man's fate is once again in the hands of a jury.
A Philadelphia jury will decide the fate of a man who's served 25 years of a life sentence for the rape and murder of a Nicetown woman. DNA evidence overturned his conviction two years ago.
Both sides gave closing arguments Monday afternoon.
Anthony Wright was just 20 years old when prosecutors say he broke into the home of 77-year-old Louise Talley, raping her and stabbing her 10 times, before bringing men back later that night to rob her home.
Wright signed a confession, but recanted at trial.
Then, in 2014, DNA evidence from the rape kit linked the crime to another man, Ronnie Byrd, and Wright's conviction was overturned.
"Anthony Wright was exonerated by DNA evidence-- we shouldn't even be standing here," said Jondhi Harrell, a criminal justice advocate.
Harrell and more than a dozen criminal justice advocates have watched the trial closely. Many believe Wright should be set free.
"Seth Williams should have followed the DNA evidence and never brought this case to trial," said Harrell.
Prosecutors cite witness testimony and clothing they say link Wright to the crime scene. The theory: Wright was likely one of several perpetrators.
The jury is expected to begin deliberations today.
