Defendant's Family Relieved as Phila. DA Agrees To Rape-Murder Retrial
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There's tempered relief and joy from the family of a man who, until today, was a convicted rapist and murderer.
But now the Philadelphia district attorney has agreed to vacate the man's 1993 verdict and sentence, making way for a new trial based on new DNA evidence.
Anthony Wright, 43, will remain in custody for now, pending his new trial.
But this day, for his family, was a long time coming.
"It's just an emotional day," says Wright's son, Anthony Wright Jr. (in red shirt in photo). "I'm just happy the process is started. We're not trying to rush our blessings, but at least it's in motion. And I am just grateful and thankful that the light is starting to show."
The DA agreed to a new trial based on new, sophisticated DNA testing. The defense contends the DNA from another man, now dead, helps prove Wright's innocence.
But the prosecution contends it just shows that a second man was involved and that there's still overwhelming evidence against Wright -- including the victim's blood on Wright's clothing -- that proves he is guilty.
