Man freed after 14 years in jail following witness' confession

July 14, 2016 10:01 PM

Hyman who has maintained his innocence for the past 14 years, insisting that he was falsely implicated by the witness, Shaquana Ellis, is to be released withing the next 90 days.

Tullie (Birdie) Hyman

A man falsely convicted of murder has reportedly been freed after the main witness in the case comes forward to admit that she had lied.

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A federal judge has reportedly thrown out the murder conviction of the man identified as Tullie (Birdie) Hyman, who was imprisoned in 2002 for allegedly killing a tenant patrol leader during a shoot out at a Far Rockaway housing project.

Hyman who has maintained his innocence for the past 14 years, insisting that he was falsely implicated by the witness, Shaquana Ellis, is to be released withing the next 90 days.

Ellis has since recanted her trial testimony, starting up the process for Hyman's release.

Hyman's appeal lawyer, Mark DeMarco said:

“Until today, the criminal justice system has failed Tullie and his family."

NY Daily News reports that Brooklyn Federal Judge, Raymond Dearie made the ruling on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, adding that it is clear that Ellis had not witnessed the shooting.

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Ellis is reported to have come forward to recant her statement because, “I’ve been living with this lie for years, and I want the truth to be told.”

Hyman who was to serve a 21-year jail time, is simply grateful that the truth has been uncovered.