Man whose conviction was overturned enters plea to end case

December 18, 2017 12:10 pm

By: The Associated Press

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Twitter: @ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Lawyers for a man whose 1992 murder conviction was overturned after decades in prison has agreed to enter a plea to end the case.

Raymond Tempest’s lawyers say their client entered an “Alford plea” on Monday. The plea has the effect of a guilty plea, but he maintains his innocence and will be released from home confinement.

Tempest was convicted of second-degree murder in the 1982 death of 22-year-old Doreen Picard. He was sentenced to 85 years in prison but has maintained his innocence.

His conviction was vacated in 2015 after the judge found police and prosecutors did not disclose evidence and suppressed details about changed witness statements.

Lawyer Michael Kendall says his client could make an Alford plea and go home or face a new trial and possible life sentence.