After 44 years in prison, Vincent Simmons is free

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Judge orders new trial; DA decides not to re-prosecute
Vincent Simmons greets family, friends, supporters and a CBS national news crew as he leaves Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola Monday night.  Simmons had served 44 years of a 100-year sentence after being convicted of two counts of attempted aggravated rape in 1977. In the hearing Monday, Judge Billy Bennett ordered a new trial, citing violations of Simmons’ constitutional rights in the original trial. District Attorney Charles Riddle said he will not prosecute Simmons, thus resulting in him being free
Shouts of “He is free” pealed like bells on Marksville’s Courthouse Square Monday afternoon as family and friends of Vincent Simmons walked out of the courthouse, celebrating the end of his 44-year journey to win his freedom. The group further marked the occasion by joining hands in a circle and reciting the Lord’s Prayer in unison. Many in that number had been praying for decades for this day to…

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