Michael Clark, a Colorado man convicted of murder in 2012, was released from prison on Monday after new DNA evidence called into question his conviction. Clark had been sentenced to life without parole for the 1994 killing of Marty Grisham. His attorneys argued that the evidence used against him was mishandled by a disgraced crime analyst, Missy Woods.
After a review by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation found irregularities in Woods’ work, Clark’s conviction was vacated and he was released from the Boulder County Jail. This is the first conviction to be overturned in connection with DNA handled by Woods. Clark maintains his innocence in the case and has been reunited with his family after 12 years behind bars.
Prosecutors in Boulder will now determine if they have enough evidence to retry the case. Clark has been released on bond while awaiting further legal proceedings. The next court date is set for June 6. Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated that the decision to vacate the conviction was based on the misconduct of the state’s DNA lab analyst, claims of juror misconduct, and ineffective counsel.
Clark expressed gratitude for the support of his family and is looking forward to moving on with his life. He will continue to fight the murder charge while prosecutors decide the next steps in the case. The release of Michael Clark highlights the importance of proper handling of evidence and the impact it can have on criminal cases.
