CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -Charges were dropped Tuesday against a Chicago man who spent over 30 years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit.
After 34 years in prison, 52-year-old Francisco Benitez is going home for good.
"It feels great. The State dropped the charges, and I'm done, I'm free."
Benitez was arrested in 1989 for the murder of two teenagers when he was 18.
He was convicted in 1991 but has maintained his innocence and said he was framed by the Chicago Police Department.
"I'm not bitter, but this system needs to be fixed. It's very, very broken. There's more guys like me going through this. I'm just happy mine is done, now we have to focus on other people,” Benitez said.
He said now, he's focusing on living the life he missed out on.
"I didn't really have any responsibilities. Now, I want to take on these responsibilities. I want to be the adult I was supposed to be," Benitez added.
Benitez said he's looking forward to visiting his sister and going to a Bears game.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram