"Decades-Long Injustice: Friends Cleared of 1987 Times Square Murder"

Two men, Eric Smokes and David Warren, who were imprisoned for decades for the 1987 killing of a French tourist in Times Square have had their convictions overturned after prosecutors uncovered evidence of police pressuring witnesses. The men, who maintained their innocence, were released on parole in 2007 and 2011 after serving 20 and 24 years, respectively. The case, marked by lack of DNA evidence and recanted witness statements, was initially opposed by the judge and the district attorney's office, but a new investigation under Manhattan's current district attorney led to the uncovering of significant new evidence, resulting in the convictions being vacated.