N.J. Man Freed by DNA Awaits Fate

N.J. Man Freed by DNA Awaits Fate

Monday July 9, 2007 5:16 PM

By JANET FRANKSTON LORIN

Associated Press Writer

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - For the last month and a half, Byron
Halsey has been trying to piece his life back together after
serving the last two decades in prison for the rape and murder
of two children.

Prosecutors threw out his conviction after recent DNA testing
and he was freed, but he's been living in a limbo-like state
since.

He's moved to Newark and found a job with a sign company,
established himself with a church and met with social workers
to help him adjust to his new life since the dramatic day in
May when he walked out of prison.

Halsey is not quite a free man yet, however, because he still
faces charges including murder, sexual assault and child
abuse. Union County prosecutors were scheduled to announce
Monday if they will pursue a new trial or drop the charges.

-snip-

All Charges Dropped Against N.J. Man

Monday July 9, 2007 7:46 PM

By JANET FRANKSTON LORIN

Associated Press Writer

ELIZABETH, N.J. (AP) - Prosecutors on Monday dropped
all the remaining charges against a man who spent 22
years in prison for the murder and rape of two children
but was recently freed after DNA testing exonerated him.

In a statement released before a court hearing Monday,
Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow said he decided not
to pursue the remaining charges following “careful
re-evaluation of the case” against Byron Halsey.

-snip-