New Evidence Frees Man Facing Death Penalty On Triple-Murder Charges

DETROIT (WWJ) - Dondre Byrd has been in prison for the last six years maintaining his innocence in a triple-homicide back in 2001 that included the death of a 14-year old.

The case qualified for the federal death penalty.

But Friday, Federal prosecutors asked that all charges be dismissed.

Defense attorney Anthony Chambers says it was because of lack of evidence.

"The government did not give a specific reason as to their motion to dismiss and none is stated in the order of dismissal. However, there is a statement that insufficient evidence and that newly discovered evidence apparently became available to the prosecution," said Chambers.

"We happen to believe and taken the position from the onset of this case that the evidence in this case, was at best, mildly circumstantial, and when I say circumstantial evidence -nothing directly placing any of the defendants on the scene," said Chambers.

Byrd and three others were charged after a witness, who has since died, identified the four in a triple homicide at a drug house.

Since Byrd who is 36-years old has been in prison, he has fallen behind in child support payments for his three children and is being held until that is resolved.

Chambers says that this has been a very trying experience for Byrd and that Byrd has always maintained his innocence and his patience throughout the process.