PATRICIA R. LYKOS

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS

April 27, 2009

News Release

Public Information Office

Donna Hawkins

George Flynn

(713) 755-3320

DA to Seek Release of Inmate in Questionable 1987 Conviction

(Houston, Texas) Harris County District Attorney Patricia R. Lykos announced today that the newly formed Post Conviction Review Section, established to investigate wrongful convictions, has flagged a case for further review. Cases where convictions relied upon evidence tested by the HPD Crime Lab (prior to 2006) have been systematically reviewed to determine the accuracy and validity of the results. The District Attorney's Office, along with defense attorney Bob Wicoff, agreed to a motion for retesting of certain biological evidence from an aggravated robbery and aggravated sexual assault case from 1987. After receiving the results from the testing, within 48 hours Assistant District Attorney Alicia O'Neill had reviewed the trial record and found discrepancies between the new tests and evidence presented at trial.

Gary Richard, 53, was convicted of aggravated robbery and received a life sentence from a jury. Richard has spent the past 22 years in prison for the crime but has always maintained his innocence.

Richard will be transferred back to Harris County for a court appearance on April 30. The State will agree to a bond for Richard.

Lykos states, "I promised the citizens of Harris County that I would provide transparency in local government. People can be assured that the Office will rectify identified problems as expeditiously as possible."

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Last Updated: 4/27/2009