DNA evidence clears Texas man of rape conviction after 18 years in prison

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theworld/2006/March/theworld_March609.xml§ion=theworld&col=

DALLAS - A man who spent 18 years behind bars for allegedly attacking a woman in her home has been released after DNA testing excluded him as the attacker.

“I don’t know how to apologize. I don’t know where to start, but I’ll start with me and ’I’m sorry,”’ District Judge John Creuzot said Monday as he released Gregory Wallis, now 47. Creuzot was not involved in the original trial.

Wallis was a 29-year-old warehouse worker when he was convicted in 1988 of burglary with intent to commit sexual assault and sentenced to 50 years in prison. snip

The victim had picked Wallis’ photo out of a lineup after police received a tip that he was involved. She described her attacker as having a tattoo, similar to one Wallis had.

“I don’t know how she picked me,” Wallis said. “I was sitting at home, and they came and arrested me. The next thing I know, I’m standing trial.”

Now exactly how do you repay someone for "stealing" 18 years of their life ?

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