PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A Philadelphia man whose murder conviction was recently overturned is at risk of returning to prison.
In March, CBS Philadelphia was present for the emotional reunion 77-year-old William Franklin was released from prison.
There were many hugs and tears as Franklin embraced his family after spending 44 years behind bars.
Three months have passed since a judge overturned his 1980 murder conviction based on new evidence that raised questions about whether Franklin was the suspect, but he still can’t say he’s 100% a free man even after his release.
That’s because the Public Prosecution Service in Philadelphia has appealed the judge’s ruling.
It’s a possibility that Franklin will go back to prison.
“Honestly, the fact that I’m going back to prison scares me. Most people I talk to, nine out of ten, say don’t think like that. Yes, easy to say, but I can’t help but think like that : that because they prove to me that they can hold you and you can’t do anything about it,” Franklin said.
Now Franklin is under house arrest until a decision is made on his appeal.
“He’s still losing time, even after that [his release]. He continues to suffer for a crime he did not commit,” said Franklin’s attorney Joseph Marrone.
While under house arrest, Franklin is allowed to go to one place: a job at the anti-gun violence nonprofit Mothers in Charge.
Franklin is an intake officer and helps men and women adjust to life after prison through their reentry program.
The nonprofit gives him more reasons to keep fighting.
‘I come here every day. You know, that gives me a sense of purpose. Every day I come here, I don’t miss a day,” Franklin said. “I feel somewhat important, you know, so I’m worth it.”
Reginald Haines, director of programs at Mothers in Charge, said Franklin has been a valuable addition.
“He knows how to deal with those people. He’s very communicative with them and he inspires them,” Haines said.
By sharing his story of perseverance, Franklin inspires hope in others. And as he waits to find out more about his future, he’s not taking a single moment for granted.
“I think about it every day that they’re going to take this away, they’re going to take it away. It may not happen, but I think about it every day,” Franklin said.
Krasner’s appeal could take up to a year before a decision is made.
CBS Philadelphia reached out to the district attorney’s office for answers and said they could not comment on an ongoing case.
