2 inmates whose murder convictions were overturned are ordered released after 16 years

2 exonerated Conn. inmates ordered released

VERNON, Conn. — Two Connecticut men imprisoned for 16 years in a murder that a judge says they did not commit have been ordered freed.

Ronald Taylor and George Gould were joined by their wives, families and other supporters in Rockville Superior Court, where Judge Stanley Fuger ordered their release.

Fuger said in a ruling two weeks ago that the two men were victims of “manifest injustice” when they were convicted of the 1993 killing of a New Haven store owner.

The star witness against them recanted, and a private investigator hired by state public defenders concluded the men’s DNA was not found on a cord used to tie the victim’s hands.

The men were expected to go home Thursday after completing some paperwork.