Coerced Confession

Soon after Karlene came forward, Marty's family hired private investigator Jay Salpeter to dig into the new evidence. Jay says he was quickly able to uncover evidence he says was inconsistent with police claims. "Not one thing in Marty's alleged confession was consistent with the crime," Jay says. The confession also said Marty struck his parents with a barbell, but Jay says there was no blood on the barbell. 

Jay's investigation uncovered more witnesses who could speak to Marty's innocence. Eventually, the evidence in Marty's favor piled so high that in December 2006 the moment he dreamed of for 17 years became a reality —he was freed. Six months later, all charges against him were dropped. 

Despite Jay's findings, not everyone is convinced that Marty is innocent. Detective McCready issued a statement disagreeing with the exoneration decision. "He is guilty," the statement says. "He'll always be guilty. There are 12 jurors who convicted him. They were correct."