Nearly two decades after he was thrown in prison for killing Tamika Means, an Erie County judge has vacated the conviction of Cory Epps. The conviction was overturned based on new evidence that had surfaced.
That hearing was Thursday in downtown Buffalo.
The evidence in this case has been sealed.
Epps is to be released as soon as possible.
Back in the late 1990s, prosecutors argued Epps shot and killed Tamika Means of Cheektowaga. They said she was shot in the face while she was at East Delavan and Chelsea Place. They said there was a fight that could have provoked the shooting.
Epps was recognized in a police line up. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
At sentencing -- and ever since -- Epps has maintained his innocence. Epps and his family said police didn't go after evidence that someone else was involved in the shooting.
