MILWAUKEE, Nov. 26, 2024 – The Wisconsin Innocence Project (WIP) is proud to announce that their client, Manuel Cucuta, was released from prison today after a Milwaukee County judge vacated his life sentence Monday. Just a teenager when he was convicted of a double murder, Cucuta spent 27 years in prison for a crime advocates believe he did not commit.
WIP, after investigating the 44-year-old’s case, raised significant doubts about his guilt and collaborated with District Attorney John Chisholm to petition the court.
Cucuta pleaded no contest to second-degree reckless homicide in exchange for his freedom but maintains his innocence and will continue to seek exoneration with help from WIP.
“It is unimaginable that a 15-year-old can be arrested, charged with homicide and ultimately sentenced to die in prison – all without any physical evidence,” said Christopher Lau, WIP co-director. “While he cannot regain lost time, he has the opportunity to clear his name. His resentencing is a step in the right direction, but our fight continues.”
After a five-day trial in 1999, 18-year-old Cucuta was sentenced for the 1995 murders of Jose Antonio Andino and Luis A. Enriquez. The only evidence linking him to the crime was witness testimony from members of the Latin Kings gang who had been incentivized to testify against him. No physical or forensic evidence tied Cucuta to the crimes.
Cucuta's trial defense counsel failed to adequately challenge the state’s narrative or present mitigating evidence that could prove his innocence. There was no mention of the pressure he faced from family members urging him to join the Latin Kings.
While imprisoned, Cucuta was dedicated to his education, earning his GED and countless certifications. He also found a passion for poetry and Shakespeare.
His hard work and growth have garnered the respect and support of Robert Toro and Maria Sanchez, siblings of Andino, one of the victims. They have advocated for his freedom and vow to support him upon release.
"I am grateful to hear that Manuel's life sentence was vacated. It’s about time,” Toro said. “Although I lost a brother and closed that chapter of my life, our family is beginning a new chapter by welcoming Manuel as our brother. He and his family have our complete support, and we look forward to his fresh start."
After his release, Cucuta looks forward to full-time work and returning to a supportive family home. He remains hopeful for a brighter future as he embarks on this new chapter. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help him rebuild his life.
This news comes just two months after the release of another WIP client, David Bintz, who was released from prison after 25 years of wrongful incarceration.
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About the Wisconsin Innocence Project
The Wisconsin Innocence Project, a legal clinic at University of Wisconsin Law School, seeks to exonerate the wrongfully convicted and to train the next generation of legal leaders. Student teams have successfully secured the release of more than 30 wrongfully convicted persons. law.wisc.edu/fjr/clinicals/ip/
Submitted by Law School News on December 11, 2024
This article appears in the categories: Faculty, Features, Frank J. Remington Center
Related employee profiles: Christopher Lau
