Chicago cousins freed after being wrongfully incarcerated for 42 years
James Soto, 62, and David Ayala, 60 were wrongfully convicted in two 1981 murders and were expected to be released on Thursday.
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James Soto, 62, and David Ayala, 60 were wrongfully convicted in two 1981 murders and were expected to be released on Thursday.
Two cousins who have been incarcerated for more than 40 years were expected to be freed after a judge exonerated them on Thursday for two 1981 murders. CBS 2's Shardaa Gray went to the Cook County Jail, where one of the men was set to be released.
Two cousins who have been incarcerated for more than 40 years were expected to be freed after a judge exonerated them on Thursday for two 1981 murders. CBS 2's Shardaa Gray went to the Cook County Jail, where one of the men was set to be released. After the judge exonerated James Soto, 62, and David Ayala, 60, there were tears of joy from family members.
"Relief, happiness, it was just amazing to walk out of there," Brian Beals said after he was released from prison. "I'm ready to begin life again."
"I just want to thank everybody for not only giving me a second chance but not treating me like a criminal."
Massive payouts were given to avoid litigation because of the wrongdoing of police officers decades ago.
The City of Chicago has forked over tens of millions of dollars in recent years to people wrongfully convicted because of actions by Chicago police. Members of the City Council have asked whether the police officers involved in these cases are still getting their city pensions
Nicholas Trutenko and Andrew Horvat are charged in connection with the wrongful prosecution of Jackie Wilson.
"Chicago is the wrongfully convicted capital of the United States. So, we need to stop being that."
"This is a classic frame-up case the Chicago Police Department has perpetrated against a number of people."
Lee Harris said he lost 33 years he can't get back, but through his lawsuit he can make sure someone else doesn't lose that kind of time.
Francisco Benitez, 52, claimed Chicago police framed him. In August, his murder conviction was tossed out by a judge.
The city will be on the line for $20 million, and its insurance company will be responsible for the other $5 million.
CBS 2's Chris Tye is always investigating and has more on the Monday debate over that very question by the city's finance committee.
"I always knew he was innocent. I just never believed it would take this long."
On Thursday, a judge overturned Louis Robinson's conviction for a 1996 murder.
Tyrone Hood and Wayne Washington were cleared of the 1993 slaying of Marshall Morgan Jr. only after both had already spent years in prison.
We uncovered Washington's story last year, when he took his fight for his innocence all the way to the Illinois Supreme Court.
David Wright was just 17 years old when he says Chicago police detectives forced him to confess to the murder of his friends, 16-year-old Tyrone Rockett and 26-year-old Robert Smith, in 1994.
Reginald Henderson and Sean Tyler both spent more than 20 years in prison for a murder they did not commit.
Two brothers who were exonerated for a murder they did not commit after spending nearly 30 years in prison will try again on Thursday to get an official certificate of innocence.
Two brothers will learn on Monday if they will be given a certificate of innocence, after being exonerated for a murder they did not commit.
A new initiative launched in Northwest Indiana Thursday is aimed at not only helping exonerees get their freedom, but also regain their next steps. CBS 2's Charlie De Mar reports.
It has been three weeks since the largest mass-exoneration for murder in U.S. history – which was all connected to one man, retired Chicago Police Detective Reynaldo Guevara.
It has been three weeks since the largest mass-exoneration for murder in U.S. history – which was all connected to one man, retired Chicago Police Detective Reynaldo Guevara. CBS 2's Marissa Perlman reports.
Firefighters rescued a puppy early Monday from a fire in the south Chicago suburb of Dolton.
A man was stabbed in the stomach on Monday morning in the South Loop.
Monday is the opening day for a new exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry that immerses visitors into the imaginative world of award-winning fashion and costume designer Paul Tazewell.
A jewelry store in Chicago's Little India district was robbed at gunpoint Sunday evening.
Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the federal holiday commemorating the Civil Rights leader.
The Justice Dept. says it's investigating a group of protesters in Minnesota who disrupted services at a church where a local ICE official apparently serves as a pastor.
Europeans were reeling Sunday from President Trump's announcement that eight countries will face a 10% tariff for opposing American control of Greenland.
Looking overseas, there is wide opposition to the idea of taking Greenland by force.
Mr. Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs against countries that do not support his plans to acquire the territory.
The country's leader criticized President Trump on Saturday, blaming him for "casualties, damages and accusations" against Iran.
Police in the west Chicago suburb of Geneva are warning of a scam involving spoofed phone numbers.
Protesters on Tuesday were cranking up the heat on Peoples Gas over a recently proposed rate hike that would add an additional $10 to $11 a month to utility bills.
A lawsuit filed late last month took Chicago-based McDonald's to task over the McRib sandwich, calling its name a form of false advertising.
As this holiday season nears its end, Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias issued a warning Tuesday about text scams.
A new report shines a light on electricity shortages that Illinois could face in less than 10 years.
Roughly 1.4 million fewer Americans have signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan as expiring tax breaks drive up premiums.
January is Radon Action Month, and the Cook County Department of Public Health is urging residents to test their homes for radon.
Severe flu season is sending many people to hospital emergency rooms across the country, including in the Chicago area.
Unionized health care workers this week took aim at Northwestern Medicine, saying the health care system needs to hire more people before expanding the emergency room at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that its recommendations for childhood vaccines will not be affected by a change in federal guidelines.
United Airlines flight attendants picketed outside Chicago's Willis Tower Thursday morning as they fought for a new contract.
WSCR-AM, 670 The Score, will begin a simulcast on 104.3 FM next month.
Does the Chicago Bears' dramatic improvement this season, culminating in their first playoff run in five years, change the discussion about where they will build a new stadium?
The Piggery, a popular barbecue restaurant and bar in the northwest corner of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, announced Thursday that it is going out of business.
The Lincolnwood Town Center mall in the north Chicago suburb of Lincolnwood has been sold to a developer, the village announced Wednesday.
Monday is the opening day for a new exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry that immerses visitors into the imaginative world of award-winning fashion and costume designer Paul Tazewell.
Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at the age of 68, his first ex-wife revealed on Tuesday.
Here is everything you need to know about how to watch and stream the 2026 Golden Globes.
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Chicago Theatre Week brings value-priced tickets for shows from Feb. 5 until Feb. 15 at Chicago's stage venues. Tickets can sell for $30, $15, or even less.
A man was stabbed in the stomach on Monday morning in the South Loop.
The Andersonville neighborhood Taiwanese eatery Minyoli was named among Bon Appétit’s most highly anticipated spring 2024 restaurant openings. Jackie Kostek visited Monday morning.
Chicago area fourth and fifth graders recently participated in an oratory competition honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his legacy, and his history-making speeches that continue to unite and inspire Americans.
Community groups across the Chicago area are carrying on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and for many it’s a day to give back and help others. One event on the North Side is aiming to collect 1,000 winter coats for local kids in need.
Tensions remain high in Minneapolis as protests continue for and against ICE immigration enforcement. Several thousand ICE agents and federal officers are deployed in the city, and more could be on the way, as President Trump is threatening to send in federal troops.
McHenry firefighters were called to the Riverside Bakery shop around 12 p.m. on Sunday.
A Cold Weather Advisory was in effect Monday morning as Arctic air sends temperatures crashing to dangerous lows.
Despite a forced OT by the Bears in the fourth against the Rams, Chicago's playoff run comes to an end.
Over 38,000 gallons of distilled water were recalled in six states, including Illinois.
Firefighters rescued a puppy early Monday from a fire in the south Chicago suburb of Dolton.
Even as Mayor Brandon Johnson has warned of possible mid-year city worker layoffs if revenue estimates in the budget fall short, city employees and workers at the city's sister agencies owe a mountain of outstanding debt to the city.
Lead-based paint was banned for serious health reasons in 1978, but most homes built before then remain covered in it.
Fire department officials in Chicago's western suburbs said drone technology has been helping keep firefighters safe and make a major impact on public safety.
With the stores becoming a common target for thieves, some of the stores in the Chicago area are taking new steps to fight back.
As thousands of people are expected downtown for New Year's Eve celebrations, Mayor Johnson, the Chicago police, and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications are trying to get out ahead of any safety concerns.
Despite forcing OT with a catch in the final minute in the 4th Quarter, the Chicago Bears' playoff journey comes to an end.
Chicago led 70-51 at the half and the advantage stayed above 20 points for most of the second half.
The focus is going to be on Soldier Field Sunday night as the Chicago Bears take on the Los Angeles Rams for the NFC Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
Before the game, the Blackhawks honored their three Stanley Cup champion teams from the 2010s, with 29 players from those squads returning to pose with the Cup.
Tre Singleton added 14 points as the Wildcats dropped their fifth straight.
A jewelry store in Chicago's Little India district was robbed at gunpoint Sunday evening.
A man was arrested and charged this weekend with a string of armed robberies and burglaries within a period of just over an hour earlier this month in Chicago.
The ages of the victims range from 17 to 40, according to Chicago police.
Chicago police this weekend issued a warning about a string of strange vehicle break-ins in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, most recently this past Thursday.
Chicago police have issued a community alert on a string of burglaries this week targeting businesses from the north lakefront to the Southwest Side.
