A Chicago man had walked free Tuesday after his twin brother confessed to a 2003 murder, Cook County Jail records confirmed.
Kevin Dugar spent the last two decades of his life behind bars despite his brother’s confession to the crime in 2013 that didn’t convince a judge at the time.
A new judge later reviewed the case on appeal and allowed Dugar’s release on bond; however, the man will still be back in court again if the state refused to drop his initial conviction.
“We are gratified that Judge William Hooks carefully weighed all factors and released Kevin pending trial,” Dugar’s Lawyer Ronald Safer said.
“I am hopeful that the state will do the right thing and dismiss Kevin’s case. If not, we will prevail at trial because Kevin is innocent.”
About Dugar’s adjustment to free life, Safer said that it is not “easy” for him after spending two decades in jail.
“Kevin is overjoyed to be free. But the adjustment is not easy. The wounds inflicted by wrongful incarceration are deep, broad, and enduring,” the attorney said.
“There is joy, but it comes with a host of emotions. It is a difficult adjustment, but Kevin is strong and he will persevere just as he has all these years because there is strength in knowing you are innocent.”
