The Monroe County District Attorney has decided to re-try Jose Torres after his murder conviction was overturned Wednesday. The D-A’s office says it still has an open investigation underway, but intends to re-try Torres in the 15-year-old murder of Miguel Cruz in Rochester
A judge’s ruling overturned Torres’ conviction in the 2001 murder case after a new witness gave evidence that contradicted the confession Torres gave to police. Another man already in prison for murder testified that he was the one who killed Miguel Cruz. Angel Carasquillo testified at a hearing earlier this year, saying he did it because Cruz had robbed him of money and drugs.
Torres has long said his confession was coerced. Prosecutors have said they still believe Torres was the killer. Torres’ lawyer says there were no previous connections between Torres and Carrasquillo, so there is no reason Carasquillo would lie to help Torres.