Free After 14 Years – DNA Evidence Clears Wrongfully Convicted Man

Tennessee man freed after 14 years in prison when DNA evidence and new testimony helps overturn murder conviction. WSMV's Ryan Breslin reports.

(WSMV/NBC News) — A Tennessee man is free for the first time in 14 years after a judge ruled he was wrongfully convicted of murder.

Joseph Webster is home with his family after a judge vacated his life sentence on Tuesday.

Webster was accused of the 1998 murder of Leroy Owens and was sent to prison in 2006 after being found guilty.

New DNA evidence and witness testimony, along with recanted testimony from the first trial proved to a Davidson County judge that Webster is not responsible for the murder.

Tuesday night, he was released from the Davidson County jail to his mother, sons, and other family members in an emotional reunion.

“Oh God is good Joseph. You home baby. Oh lord have mercy,” exclaimed Webster’s mother before becoming so overcome with emotion that she needed to be carried to her car.

“I just want to enjoy my family, make time with my family. I missed a lot of their life. I just want to give it back to them,” Webster said.

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