HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a landmark decision, Kerry Max Cook has been officially declared innocent by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. This declaration marks the end of a harrowing 46-year+ journey through the justice system, during which Cook was wrongfully convicted of the 1977 murder of Linda Jo Edwards in Tyler, Texas.
“For 46 years, 10 months, and 13 days, police and prosecutors lied and cheated and forced me to live in the dark shadows of the Texas legal system, including 20 years, 3 months, and 5 days on Texas Death Row,” says Kerry Max Cook from his hospital bed in Houston tonight. “I was convicted and sentenced to die for a crime committed by another person, in proceedings tainted by deliberate deception and police and prosecutorial misconduct that, to this day, has not been held to account. This opinion creates an opportunity for the victim, Linda Jo Edwards, to finally receive justice. Today is also a wonderful day for me, my wife, and my son, and for everyone who has believed in me. I am grateful for the comprehensive review and impartial analysis by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. I never gave up and never stopped believing that truth would prevail.”
The court's decision comes after a thorough review of new evidence, including DNA tests and admissions of perjury by key witnesses, that unequivocally prove Cook's innocence. The ruling also highlights extensive State misconduct, including undisclosed deals with witnesses and false testimonies that led to Cook's wrongful conviction.
In 1978, Kerry Max Cook was convicted of the brutal murder of Linda Jo Edwards and sentenced to death. His conviction was based on unreliable witness testimonies and withheld exculpatory evidence. Over the decades, Cook endured multiple trials and appeals, each time fighting to prove his innocence.
New evidence, including DNA tests conducted in 1999 and 2012-2015, excluded Cook as the contributor of crucial biological evidence found at the crime scene. Further, in 2016, alternate suspect James Mayfield admitted under oath to lying about his sexual relationship with the victim, lying about knowing the eyewitness had told colleagues that she saw him in the victim’s bedroom at the time of the murder, and lying about having a book in his possession that included crime scene photos depicting female murder victims in the same poses as the victim in this case.
Key Points of the Court's Decision:
- DNA Evidence: DNA tests conclusively excluded Kerry Max Cook as the contributor of the semen and skin cells found on the victim's underwear that was pulled off her body, implicating James Mayfield instead.
- Witness Perjury: James Mayfield admitted to perjuring himself in multiple trials, providing false testimony that contributed to Cook's wrongful conviction.
- State Misconduct: The court found numerous instances of State misconduct, including undisclosed deals with key witnesses and the presentation of false evidence.
Kerry Max Cook expressed relief and gratitude upon hearing the court's decision, stating, "This has been a long and painful journey. I am grateful for the truth finally coming to light and for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and legal team."
Cook's attorney since 1990, Paul Nugent, commented, "Today is a monumental day for justice. Kerry Max Cook's exoneration is a testament to his resilience and the importance of continued vigilance in our legal system to correct wrongful convictions."
Kerry is currently represented by Exoneration Initiative attorneys Glenn Garber and Rebecca Freedman and Austin-based attorney, Keith Hampton.
For further information or to schedule an interview with Kerry Max Cook or his legal team, please contact: