Part 7/10:
In 2015, after a landmark ruling by the New York Appellate Division recognizing the legality of "freestanding" innocence claims, Derek was finally exonerated. Additional evidence surfaced, including alibis and witness testimonies placing him miles away from the crime scene at the time of the murder.
Derek's case exemplified the grave injustices inflicted by corrupt practices within law enforcement—particularly by Louis Scarcella, who worked on over 200 cases, many of which resulted in wrongful convictions. Scarcella’s misconduct included planting evidence, coercing witnesses, and mishandling investigations. Despite clear evidence of his wrongdoings, he continued to receive a pension, and his cases remained scarcely scrutinized until whistleblowers and advocates like Derek stepped forward.