A man who spent nearly three decades behind bars for rape, kidnapping, and robbery has been declared innocent and released, as revealed by Los Angeles County prosecutors.
Gerardo Cabanillas, who was arrested at the age of 18, was exonerated through DNA testing in connection with a 1995 assault on a couple parked in South Gate. The couple had been sitting in their car when they were attacked. The county district attorney's office announced this significant development.
After a thorough review of Cabanillas' case by the Conviction Integrity Unit of the DA's office, a judge recently overturned his conviction, officially declared him factually innocent, and ordered his permanent release.
District Attorney George Gascón expressed deep regret for the injustice that resulted in Cabanillas' unjust imprisonment of over 28 years.
Gascón stated, "Upon thorough reexamination of the evidence and a comprehensive review of the case by my office's Conviction Integrity Unit, it has become abundantly clear that a serious error was made. I extend my deepest apologies to Mr. Cabanillas for the miscarriage of justice and the failure of our criminal legal system. ... It is imperative that we reflect upon this case as a stark reminder that our criminal legal system is not infallible."
Cabanillas was convicted in 1996 and served 28 years in prison after confessing to being one of two armed men who had approached the couple. They forced the man out of the car and then drove the woman to an abandoned house where both assaulted her.
Another couple in the same area was robbed just two days later.
Initially, victims of the attacks identified Cabanillas from photo lineups, but they later expressed doubts in court, revealing that they had been pressured into making those identifications. The California Innocence Project, which represented Cabanillas, highlighted that DNA testing on the rape kit conclusively demonstrated that two other individuals had committed the assault.
Remarkably, no other suspects had ever been arrested, although one man later confessed to one of the crimes.
Cabanillas had consistently maintained his innocence, even though he confessed to the crime during his initial arrest. His attorney emphasized the issue of false confessions in the United States, citing them as one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions.
Cabanillas allegedly confessed after a South Gate police detective promised him probation and the opportunity to go home if he admitted to the crime. Such practices of making promises to suspects during interrogations are permitted and have led to numerous wrongful convictions.
The release of Gerardo Cabanillas, based on DNA evidence, has been a long-awaited vindication of his claims of innocence. The California Innocence Project expressed their happiness for Cabanillas and his family, stating that the truth has finally set him free.
In another development, a Delaware State Police trooper is facing indictment following an investigation into a violent incident involving a 15-year-old boy who had pranked his home. See detailed story here
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