Vernon testified that he hadn\u2019t seen Franks die. He said the police fed him information \u201d\u201c the battery acid, the caliber of the gun \u201d\u201c and coerced him into testifying. He said they got mad whenever he got cold feet. They threatened to send his parents to jail. They controlled him with fear. And once told, Vernon\u2019s story became a monster of its own volition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were lies,\u201d\u009d he testified.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was all lies?\u201d\u009d the prosecutor asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were lies,\u201d\u009d he said.<\/p>\n
After Vernon\u2019s recantation, Jackson took the stand. \u201cRegardless of what happens here today,\u201d\u009d he said, \u201csomebody heard the truth for once. I spent 39 years of my life paying for something I didn\u2019t do.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
In light of Vernon\u2019s recantation, the state withdrew their case. The hearing ended on a Tuesday. That Friday, 39 years, 5 months, and 27 days after his arrest, Ricky Jackson walked out of the courtroom unshackled. He joined Ronnie and Wiley for a tearful, celebratory meal at Red Lobster.<\/p>\n