Innocent grandmother walks free after 17 years in prison

An American woman who spent 17 years in prison for the death of a homeless man hugged her grandchild for the first time after her conviction was overturned and she was freed.

"I always knew that one day God would bring the truth to the light," 59-year-old Susan Marie Mellen, told reporters on Friday, after she was released from a California courthouse.

A Los Angeles County judge overturned her conviction saying her attorney failed to properly represent her and a woman who claimed she heard Mrs Mellen confess was a "habitual liar".

Based solely on witness testimony, Mrs Mellen was convicted of orchestrating the beating death of Richard Daly at a Lawndale home where Mrs Mellen and others lived.

The mother of three was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole.

Three gang members subsequently were linked to the crime, and one was convicted of the killing.

Mrs Mellen said she held no ill will against those who put her behind bars.

Original report here

　

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