LOS ANGELES, CA – A Los Angeles man wrongfully imprisoned for a 1993 gang-related murder was declared innocent this week, following more than three decades of fighting for his freedom. Umberto Duran, now 51, was sentenced to 25 years to life based on a single eyewitness account, a conviction that has now been overturned, much to the shock and delight of his family and neighbors.
Duran’s journey from incarceration to exoneration was fraught with challenges. “It’s easy to get locked up and hard to get out,” he remarked, reflecting on the long years spent behind bars. His family, unwavering in their belief in his innocence, never lost faith. They reached out to various innocence projects over the years, hoping for a breakthrough.
That breakthrough came in 2018 when Megan Baca, the director of California Innocence Advocates, took on Duran’s case. Her efforts, along with the recantation of the key eyewitness testimony, paved the way for Duran’s parole in 2022. The case was finally vacated in 2024, marking a significant victory for Duran and those who supported him.
Duran’s civil attorney, who himself was wrongfully convicted at the age of 17, expressed gratitude to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for their role in righting the wrong. “It was a great day for Mr. Duran and a great day for justice,” he said, recalling the emotional moment of embracing Duran and his family.
For Duran, the exoneration is bittersweet. He had dreams of joining the Marines and becoming a parole agent—dreams that were taken from him. Despite these lost opportunities, Duran is determined to look forward. He plans to start his own electrical company and focus on enjoying the life that was unjustly taken from him.
The fight for justice is not entirely over for Duran, as he now turns his attention to a civil case seeking compensation for his wrongful imprisonment. The outcome of this case, scheduled for July 17, will determine if and how much he will be compensated for the years he spent behind bars.
Duran’s story underscores the fragility of justice and the resilience of the human spirit. As he rebuilds his life, he remains a testament to the enduring hope of those who believe in justice.