Thaindian News

Aug 20 (IBNS) A Connecticut judge has dismissed charges of murder and rape against a man. The twist to the story is that he spent two decades in prison.

Thanks to the DNA testing which proved that Kenneth Ireland could not have committed the crimes.

Kenneth Ireland, 39, of Wallingford appeared in New Haven Superior Court Wednesday. He was released from prison on August 5 when Judge Richard Damiani granted him a new trial.

Ireland was 20 years old when he was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the 1986 rape and murder of Barbara Pelkey.

The body of the mother of four was found nude at the former R.S. Moulding and Manufacturing Co. in Wallingford, where she worked alone at night.

Ireland is the third convict freed in the past three years based on new DNA testing. Prosecutors say they’ve reopened the investigation into Pelkey’s death.

Ireland said: I am pleased that this chapter in my life is behind me now.

He made the above statement after the charges were dropped. He appeared pleased but subdued, wearing a white shirt and red tie.

He also showed his gratitude to the Connecticut Innocence Project, which took Ireland’s case two years ago, and to his family and supporters.