The murder conviction of a Springfield man more than four decades ago is being overturned.
A Hampden County Judge ruled last week that the prosecution intentionally withheld "significant" evidence in the case against Edward Wright.
Wright was convicted of first-degree murder for the stabbing death of Penny Anderson in 1984.
“We are hopeful that, after an open-minded review, the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office and its new Conviction Integrity Unit will see that there are substantial grounds for Mr. Wright to receive a new trial,” said Stephanie Hartung, Senior Staff Attorney at the New England Innocence Project (NEIP). NEIP’s Executive Director, Radha Natarajan, added, “Whether by agreement or through a court decision, we look forward to seeing Mr. Wright exonerated after all this time and being able to finally reunite with his remaining family.”
Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said his office strongly disagrees with the ruling, and is planning to appeal.
(Photo: New England Innocence Project)