A Hawaii man, Gordon Cordeiro, was released from prison on February 22, 2025, after a judge vacated his murder conviction due to new DNA evidence. Cordeiro spent 30 years in prison for the 1994 killing of Timothy Blaisdell, a crime he always denied committing.
- Hawaii man released after 30 years in prison
- New DNA evidence leads to exoneration ruling
- Judge vacates convictions during emotional hearing
- Prosecutor plans to appeal the decision
- Cordeiro's alibis supported his innocence claims
- Innocence Project highlights prosecutorial misconduct
Judge Kirstin Hamman stated that the new DNA test results could significantly alter the outcome of any future trial. The ruling was met with emotional reactions in the courtroom as Cordeiro expressed gratitude and excitement to see his mother.
Cordeiro’s case dates back to a drug deal robbery that resulted in Blaisdell’s death on Maui. Initially tried in 1994, his first trial ended without a verdict due to a hung jury. He was later convicted based largely on testimony from jailhouse informants and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
The Hawaii Innocence Project took up Cordeiro’s case and presented arguments for his release based on newly uncovered evidence that included DNA testing proving his innocence and claims of prosecutorial misconduct during his trials. Key points include:
- Cordeiro had multiple alibis at the time of the murder.
- New DNA tests excluded him as the source of biological material found at the crime scene.
- An unidentified DNA profile was discovered on Blaisdell’s jeans.
Despite these findings, Maui County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin expressed disappointment over the ruling and indicated plans to appeal it. He cited concerns about flight risk due to Cordeiro’s original murder charge. Following his release, Cordeiro described the day as “Freedom Friday” and expressed eagerness to reconnect with family after decades behind bars.
The judge acknowledged that both new DNA evidence and additional information regarding gunshot residue would likely change outcomes if retried. This decision highlights ongoing issues related to wrongful convictions and how advancements in forensic science can impact justice systems.
Cordeiro’s release marks a significant moment not only for him but also serves as an important reminder about potential flaws within judicial processes. His case underscores the importance of continuous evaluation of evidence and accountability within law enforcement practices.
