Evaristo Salas Jr. Where is He Now? Who is Evaristo Salas Jr.?
by Sangamithra | Updated Jan 03, 2024
Evaristo Salas Jr. Where is He Now?
Evaristo Salas Jr., who spent 27 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, has been exonerated at the age of 42. Salas faced a troubled childhood, being kicked out of his home at seven and joining a gang at the age of 10. At 16, he was convicted of murder based on shaky testimonies, including that of a police informant and the victim's girlfriend.
After years of being in and out of solitary confinement, Salas turned to Buddhism and sought a way out of gang life. The turning point in his case came in 2018 with the documentary "The Wrong Man," revealing flaws in the evidence, including the use of hypnosis on a witness. In August 2023, after a lengthy legal battle, a prosecutor dismissed the charges against Salas, citing the state's inability to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
However, his current whereabouts are not known. Salas, now free, faces challenges in adapting to the outside world, seeking support to overcome basic obstacles like obtaining identification and transportation. Despite the hardships, Salas is determined to move forward, planning a life with his fiancé and stepson while expressing gratitude for the newfound freedom.
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Who is Evaristo Salas Jr.?
Evaristo Salas Jr., a resident of Sunnyside, Washington, spent 27 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Arrested at 15 and convicted at 16, Salas faced a long legal battle. On August 17, 2023, the Yakima County Prosecutor dismissed the murder charge, officially exonerating him.
Despite being eligible for earlier release, Salas refused, maintaining his innocence. In prison, he utilized his time, earning certificates in public speaking and participating in educational programs. Now 42, he is readjusting to life, learning to drive, and seeking employment. Salas expresses gratitude for the overwhelming community support he has received.
Why was Evaristo Salas Jr. Arrested?
Evaristo Salas Jr. was arrested at the age of 16 for a murder he didn't commit. His troubled childhood, marked by being kicked out of his mother's home at seven and joining a gang at 10, led him down a challenging path. At 14, he witnessed his best friend's fatal shooting, and a year later, Salas himself was arrested for the murder of Jose Arreola.
The conviction was based on shaky testimony, including that of a police informant and the victim's girlfriend, who identified Salas after hypnosis. In 2023, after 27 years in prison, it was revealed that the detective involved had influenced false testimony. The charges were dropped, and Salas was exonerated. Now, at 42, he faces the daunting task of rebuilding his life.
When was Evaristo Salas Jr. Released?
Evaristo Salas Jr. was released on August 17, 2023. After spending 27 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, Salas' release came when Yakima County Prosecutor Joe Brusic dismissed the murder charge with prejudice. This means the charge cannot be refiled.
Salas, who had been convicted at the age of 16, maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment. His release was met with support from the community, and he is now focused on rebuilding his life.
Evaristo Salas Jr. Where is He Now - FAQs
Salas was wrongly arrested at 16 for a murder he didn't commit, facing flawed testimonies and questionable evidence.
Salas was released on August 17, 2023, after spending 27 years in prison for the wrongful conviction.
Evaristo Salas Jr. is a Sunnyside resident who spent 27 years in prison for a murder he was later exonerated from.
The exoneration followed revelations of flawed evidence, including witness manipulation, highlighted in the documentary "The Wrong Man."
Salas earned certificates, including in public speaking, and participated in educational programs while in prison.