“Shocking Twist in 25-Year Old Murder Mystery: New Suspect Emerges Amidst Long-Standing Investigation”

New York Prosecutor’s Office Admits They Wrongly Convicted Man of 1996 Double Murder

For 16 years, a suburban New York prosecutor’s office maintained that they had the right man in a notorious 1996 double murder case. The office tried him five times, surviving a series of hung juries and overturned convictions, before finally acquitting him in 2017. However, on Monday, Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah, the current leader of the office, announced that the reinvestigation has identified two new suspects and that the previously tried man has “no connection” to the crime.

Rocah’s statement appears to mark the first time the District Attorney’s Office has publicly stated that anyone other than Selwyn Dyess is guilty. Dyess’ attorney, Glenn Garber, said it was time for his client to be vindicated, stating that he is indeed innocent and it is important to put this matter to rest once and for all.

Rocah, who took office in 2021, did not provide further details about the two new suspects or the investigation, saying it was ongoing. The office stated that the developments were recent and that more work needs to be done before any possible future steps can be taken. Rocah left office this week after deciding not to run for a second term.

Incoming District Attorney Susan Kakas promised to continue reviewing the double murder case, with Garber believing she will continue to “charge and punish those responsible for the killings”.

The case involved two elderly people, Archie Harris and home health aide Betty Ramcharan, who were found dead in Harris’ home in 1996. Harris, a recently widowed millionaire, was accused of forcing one aide to perform sex acts and holding another aide at gunpoint.

However, it was later revealed that Harris had left his entire inheritance to Ramcharan, without providing for his three children. Ramcharan eventually died along with Harris.

Dyess, who was arrested in 2001, provided police with a videotaped confession that his lawyers later argued was false and coerced. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial process, stating “I did not commit this crime. I don’t know who did it…I don’t know anything about it”.

Dyess’ trials resulted in four hung juries and one murder conviction, which was later overturned. He was finally acquitted at his fifth trial after serving 16 years in prison.

Rocah established a Conviction Review Panel in 2021 to investigate allegations of wrongful convictions. The department began reviewing the Harris and Ramcharan cases last year.

FAQ:

Q: Who is Selwyn Dyess?
A: Selwyn Dyess is the man who was wrongly convicted of the 1996 double murder of Archie Harris and Betty Ramcharan.

Q: How many times was Selwyn Dyess tried?
A: Selwyn Dyess was tried five times in the 1996 double murder case.

Q: What was the outcome of the trials?
A: The trials resulted in four hung juries and one murder conviction, which was later overturned. Dyess was finally acquitted at his fifth trial after serving 16 years in prison.

Q: Who is Mimi Rocah?
A: Mimi Rocah is the current leader of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. She announced that the reinvestigation has identified two new suspects and that Dyess has “no connection” to the crime.

Conclusion:
The case of Selwyn Dyess serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and just. While it has taken 16 years, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office has finally acknowledged that Dyess was wrongly convicted and is working to identify the true perpetrators of the crime. It is crucial that prosecutors and law enforcement agencies prioritize thorough investigations and review wrongful convictions to prevent further injustices from occurring.