Man convicted of California murder in 1984 ordered released from prison

"A man imprisoned 44 years for murder was ordered released Tuesday, Sept. 16, by an Orange County judge after prosecutors recently found exculpatory evidence that might not have been turned over to the trial defense. At the request of the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Superior Court Judge Lance Jensen reduced prisoner Guy Michael Scott's 1984 murder conviction to manslaughter, allowing him to be released because he had served much more than the maximum sentence under that charge."

"Scott's new attorney, Scott Sanders, believes his 69-year-old client would have been acquitted altogether if the evidence had been disclosed as required at the time of trial. The number of years lost is so painful and beyond tragic, Sanders said. Scott, attending a court hearing via video feed from Corcoran state prison, clasped his hands and thanked God and all involved with his release."

"Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement that he refused to accept the win-at-all-costs mentality of prior administrations. When it became clear that we couldn't confirm that any and all evidence involving the use of informants was turned over to the defense, we successfully petitioned the court to allow the defendant to be resentenced in the interest of justice, Spitzer said."

A 69-year-old man, Guy Michael Scott, had his 1984 murder conviction reduced to manslaughter and was ordered released after prosecutors discovered potentially undisclosed exculpatory evidence. The Orange County District Attorney's Office requested resentencing because Scott had already served more than the maximum manslaughter sentence. Scott's new attorney contends the evidence could have led to an acquittal if disclosed at trial. Current prosecutors cited concerns that evidence involving jailhouse informants may not have been turned over to the defense and petitioned the court in the interest of justice. Accusations were raised about prior manipulation of informant-related evidence.

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