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Man Freed From Prison After 20 Years Wants Case To Remain Open

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A man who has spent the last two decades in prison for a crime he said he didn't commit has asked a judge to keep his case open, so he can prove his innocence.

As WCBS-880's Peter Haskell reported, Richard Rosario could have put everything behind him, but he declined.

"I've been in prison fighting for the truth. I've been screaming. I'm the only one being transparent," he said.

Rosario has called on the DA to release his case file. He wants to be declared innocent.

The 40-year-old spent 20 years in prison for the 1996 killing of George Collazo. The victim's father Jorge isn't convinced.

"If he goes around saying he's innocent, you know what I'm saying. He's lying to you, and he's lying to the public," Collazo said.

Rosario contends his trial lawyer declined to speak with an alibi witness.

 

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