By The Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I., (AP) - A former police detective serving a life sentence for a 1989 murder was freed today after six years in prison after investigators said someone had come forward to confess to the crime.
Keeping the inmate, Jeffrey Hornoff, in jail “would be manifestly unjust,” Assistant Attorney General Randall White told the judge.
Mr. Hornoff, 40, was convicted in the beating death of Victoria Cushman, 29, a woman with whom he had had an extramarital affair. He has maintained his innocence.
Dozens of family members and friends cheered after Mr. Hornoff was released on $10,000 personal recognizance bond. A hearing was set for Dec. 6, when the state is expected to recommend that the charges be dropped.
Investigators say Todd J. Barry, a carpenter, admitted last week that he was the killer. He was charged today with second-degree murder.