Lisker life sentence overturned

This is not a religion story. But it’s a story about the importance of good journalism.

Bruce Lisker was convicted 25 years ago of killing his own mother in cold blood. But many questions lingered about whether Lisker really did it. (See FreeBruce.org.) For the past few years, two reporters for the Los Angeles Times have pursued and penned a number of stories questioning the way the Lisker case was handled.

Their first story, “New Light on a Distant Verdict,” was amazing. And today, Lisker’s conviction was overturned.

From the Times:

U.S. District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips concluded that Bruce Lisker, 44, was convicted on “false evidence” and that his attorney — now a court commissioner — failed to adequately represent him at trial.

“Oh my God, I am absolutely elated,” Lisker said in a telephone interview from Mule Creek State Prison, near Sacramento. “It’s bittersweet: Jubilation tempered by how long I’ve been in here.”

A hearing is scheduled for Monday to decide whether Lisker should be released on bail while prosecutors determine whether to appeal Phillips’ ruling or to retry him.

A spokesperson for the attorney general’s office, which has been defending Lisker’s conviction, was not immediately available for comment.

Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the L.A. district attorney, declined comment. A deputy district attorney, however, had filed a court declaration last month stating that she was prepared to refile the charges if the conviction was overturned.

“I pray that I will be tasting my rightful freedom again,” said Lisker, adding that he would welcome a retrial. “Bring it.”

Read the rest here.