Man wrongly jailed 27 years still not out

Man wrongly jailed 27 years still not out

By Brian Rodgers Houston Chronicle
Web Posted: 07/30/2010 12:12 CDT

A Houston man who was expected to be freed Thursday after being imprisoned 27 years for a rape he didn’t commit had to wait at least one more day after shouting from a holding cell and threatening bailiffs and jailers.

Michael Anthony Green reacted “emotionally” to the reality of his release, said Bob Wicoff, his attorney.

Green, 45, blew up after he was put in handcuffs and leg irons for the walk to court, Wicoff said. He also said the jailer who handcuffed Green jerked his arm roughly and put the cuffs on too tight.

“There was no reason to put leg irons on a guy who is getting out,” Wicoff said. “It’s totally ridiculous and it’s mean.”

Green’s family members, who were in the courtroom, said he should’ve been released regardless of his behavior.

“This is ridiculous,” said Green’s sister Brenda Murray. “The judge and everybody else should be ashamed of themselves. This is bad.”

The family didn’t get to talk to Green, but he was visited amid shouting episodes by his defense attorney from 1983, Bill Harmon.

Harmon, now a Harris County court-at-law judge, said it was a “mystery” why Green wasn’t released.

After the case was reset for today, Wicoff said his client was angry and needed another day to compose himself before having bail set while the Texas Court of Criminal Appeal rules on his actual innocence.

UPDATE:

Texas Man Walks Free After Serving 27 Years for Rape He Didn't Commit