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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Lawyers for a man whose 1992 murder conviction was overturned after decades in prison has agreed to enter a plea to end the case.
Raymond Tempest's lawyers say their client entered an "Alford plea" on Monday to second-degree murder. The plea has the effect of a guilty plea, but he maintains his innocence and will be released from home confinement.
Tempest was convicted of second-degree murder in the 1982 death of 22-year-old Doreen Picard. He was sentenced to 85 years in prison but has maintained his innocence. His conviction was vacated in 2015 after the judge found police and prosecutors didn't disclose evidence and suppressed details about changed witness statements.
Lawyer Michael Kendall says his client faced the choice of making an Alford plea and going home or facing a new trial and possible life sentence.
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