Delaware County man released from prison after 41 years due to newly discovered evidence

MEDIA, Pa. – A Delaware County man goes residence after spending greater than 4 many years in jail. Leroy Evans emerged from the Delaware County Court docket Home to deafening cheers of his supporters and the nice and cozy embrace of his spouse.

Lawyer Normal Josh Shapiro made the announcement Friday about his workplace’s Conviction Integrity Part’s reduction of Leroy Evans. 

It was November of 1980 when Emily Leo, promoting Avon merchandise, was bludgeoned to demise in Chester. Evans, 64, was convicted of first-degree homicide within the demise of Leo in 1981. Based on the AG’s Workplace, the first proof towards him was the testimony of co-defendant Anthony Jones. 

Shapiro says over the previous 40 years, Jones’ testimony has been confirmed unreliable primarily based on inconsistent recounts of occasions and a number of other makes an attempt to recant his unique testimony about Evans’ involvement.

“FOX 29’s Jeff Cole requested, “Did you suppose this present day was going to come back?”

“I hoped. I at all times believed in God,” Evans replied.

“What had been your ideas when the decide authorized this?” Cole requested.

“Blessed. It’s been 42 years of ready,” Evans answered.

In 2016, talking with legal professional Michael Malloy, working to free Evans, Jones admitted he’d slain Leo.

Malloy and native activists labored to free Evans, working alongside Shapiro’s workplace.

A Friday morning court docket listening to is when it occurred.

“What are your ideas about having to serve such a very long time for one thing you did not do?” Cole requested.

“You already know, generally issues like this occur. However, you bought to maintain God and religion,” replied Evans.

Evans hugged relations and held great-grandchildren born years after he’d gone to jail.

His spouse recounted her battle. “It has been up and down. I’ve had robust instances. A lot of ache. However, to maintain going, I needed to keep robust for him,” Rosemary Simmons stated.

Lawyer Michael Malloy remarked, “He is been a present to me. He is exceptional. He is by no means been indignant.” 

“It is a highly effective reminder of the significance of making certain justice for all Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro stated. “For our justice system to perform correctly, it’s vital that convictions are primarily based on details. All through my staff’s assessment of this case, we discovered that reliance on the co-defendant’s testimony, that was proven to lack reliability over time, led to Mr. Evans’ first diploma homicide conviction.”

Evans says one in every of his first acts will likely be to go to his mom’s grave.

Cole requested him, “How will you reside the remainder of your life?”

Evans answered, “Joyful with household and mates.”

Evans did plead to lesser expenses, in court docket Friday, that had been concerned within the case. His penalty will likely be time served.