A man wrongfully convicted of murdering a 16-year-old Baltimore girl in 1998 was exonerated Wednesday because of new DNA evidence.
According to a report by Baltimore’s WBALTV, Malcolm Bryant was freed because the University of Baltimore’s Innocence Project got a court-appointed DNA test of fingernail clippings from the victim, Toni Bullock.
“I’m still numb right now and I’m just absolutely thankful. Thankful to God. These two here, they wouldn’t give up. They wouldn’t give up,” Bryant said.
In a news conference, director of the Innocence Project Michelle Nethercott told reporters:
“I met with Mr. Bryant many times. I met with his family. And thankfully we were able to eventually get DNA evidence that proved what he’s been saying all along.”
In 1998, Bullock and a friend were on the way home from a Rite Aid store in East Baltimore when a man attacked them. Bullock was stabbed three times and died instantly. Bryant was arrested after the friend claimed she saw him commit the heinous crime.
In that same news conference, Baltimore City State’s Attorney, Marilyn Mosby apologized:
“On behalf of the criminal justice system, I’d like to apologize to Mr. Malcolm Bryant and his family, for the pain they’ve endured as a result of his wrongful conviction.”
Bryant was convicted in August 1999 and now is free after serving 17 years.
