Man Exonerated After 14 Years in Prison for Wrongful Conviction

A man who spent 14 years in prison for a shooting in the 1990s has been declared innocent and released. Steven Ruffin, now 45, expressed relief after his exoneration, stating that he had lost 14 years of his life for a crime he didn't commit. Ruffin's conviction was one of over three dozen that have been disavowed by Brooklyn prosecutors in the last decade, several of which were related to retired Detective Louis Scarcella. Despite being on parole since 2010, Ruffin stated that having his manslaughter conviction dismissed and his name cleared will help him move forward. Prosecutors are now considering whether to charge the person they believe is the actual culprit in the shooting, but they noted the challenge of obtaining evidence due to the passage of 30 years. Ruffin's case highlighted issues with the police investigation and witness identification procedures at the time. Despite the uncertainty of potential prosecution for the real shooter, Ruffin's lawyers emphasized the importance of a thorough initial investigation. Looking ahead, Ruffin is optimistic about his future and career opportunities.