Anthony Caravella’s first day of freedom in a quarter-century
Anthony Caravella’s first day of freedom was a mix of catching up with family members he hasn’t seen in more than a quarter-century, cautiously venturing out into a changed world and taking care of necessities like getting a Social Security card.
His brother, Larry Dunlap, had to tell him that he no longer needs to ask for permission to move from room to room…
“I’m trying not to get too used to this [freedom],” said the convicted rapist and murderer, who was set free Thursday on a judge’s orders. Prosecutors requested his temporary release after a DNA test cast grave doubt on the convictions…
He walked out of the Broward County Jail on Thursday afternoon with no money and no possessions other than the shirt, pants and sneakers that his public defender, Diane Cuddihy, bought for him. He felt self-conscious that he has to rely on his youngest brother for everything and said he wanted to get a job as soon as possible…
There was kindness from strangers — a lawyer donated two prime tickets to a Miami Dolphins game in October and a local man offered Caravella and his brother and sister a day trip to Disney World.
To help him adapt after nearly 26 years behind bars — he was 15 when he was arrested — the Innocence Project of Florida offered a social worker.
The judge released him because DNA evidence made it clear he wasn’t the guilty party. Any bets on whether nor not the courts consider his testimony that the mentally-challenged 15-year-old [then] was beaten to get a confession?
UPDATE: Mr. Caravella is finally free of prison, free of the ankle bracelet ordered by the state – until his final hearing.
Wow another life destroyed by a court room complicite to and with liars. Put the original Judge and prosecuter on trial after filing a lawsuit against the State. Gosh, I guess this story includes the fact that the original rapist and murderer is STILL FREE – another failed American Judicial. This guy never had a chance and because of what was perpetrated he likely never will. Sad. The real criminal, along with the courts, raped and murdered his soul as well.
This is sickening. I hope Oprah Winfrey gets ahold of this injustice and does her thing.
The more this activity takes place in the United States, the more it makes sense to have a like television programme akin to America’s Most Wanted. Such a television program may lead to other arrests, but of true criminals, slimy lawyers, crooked Judges and of course unscrupulous perping prosecutors.
E Trams
September 20, 2009 at 2:20 am
What ever happened to Mike Nifong the disgraced prosecutor who tried to falsely prosecute the rich kids that played lacrosse at Duke University. Is he still running the streets?
E Trams
September 20, 2009 at 3:10 am
I heard he was pumping gas for his cousin’s independent station.
Mr. Fusion
September 20, 2009 at 8:15 am
America’s judicial system is very flawed. While one is “innocent until proven guilty”, those are just words to anyone caught in the system.
I am very proud to say I support the Innocence Project.
Mr. Fusion
September 20, 2009 at 8:33 am
Good for you. Someone needs to be concerned with guilt and innocence, instead of convictions or legal fees.
The problem with legal systems always comes down to one thing: the innate dishonesty of the people who choose to become lawyers.
…much the same as political systems, I guess. Of course a hell of a lot of politicians are lawyers, aren’t they?
Cinaedh
September 20, 2009 at 8:58 am