Heroes

Remarkable Turn of Events: DNA Evidence Ends 30-Year Ordeal

Published

2 days ago

March 1, 2025

Joy Love

Gordon Cordeiro visiting the grave of his mother on Makawao, Hawaii, hours after his release – credit Denise Cordeiro, family photo

Quick Smiles:

Gordon Cordeiro is finally free after 30 years due to new DNA evidence.
The Hawaiian Innocence Project played a crucial role in his exoneration.
His first act of freedom was visiting his mother’s grave.

In a remarkable turn of events, Gordon Cordeiro has been released from a Hawaiian prison after three decades. This comes after DNA evidence proved his innocence, unraveling what had been a prolonged injustice.

Cordeiro, who was wrongfully convicted for the murder of Tim Baisdell in 1994, was initially found guilty after two trials. The first trial ended in a hung jury, while the second led to his life sentence without parole.

His release was made possible by the tireless efforts of the Hawaiian Innocence Project. “He cried, we all cried,” said Kenneth Lawson, co-director of the project.

The case against Cordeiro was fraught with issues from the beginning. “The police botched this case from the beginning and turned the No. 1 suspect into the state’s star witness,” Lawson explained, highlighting the flawed investigation that led to Cordeiro’s conviction.

Despite having four alibis, Cordeiro was prosecuted based on testimonies from jailhouse informants seeking reduced sentences. This prosecutorial misconduct was a key point in the Innocence Project’s advocacy.

The new DNA evidence that led to Cordeiro’s release was found in the inside pockets of Baisdell’s jeans, casting significant doubt on Cordeiro’s involvement. This evidence, when combined with other findings, made his conviction untenable.

Upon his release, Cordeiro’s first destination was his mother’s grave in Makawao, Hawaii. She had passed away from ALS at 49, just before his arrest. He expressed his gratitude for her watching over him during his time in prison.

Reflecting on his long ordeal, Cordeiro noted the stark changes in the world, mentioning how he entered the courthouse with a pager, a far cry from today’s smartphone-dominated society.

This incredible second chance is a testament to the power of determined advocacy, reminding us all of the importance of justice and truth.