He came home from work to find police at his house and his wife dead. It would take 25 years, and a DNA test prosecutors fought for six years to prevent, before he was proven innocent.
The Murder
In August 1986, Michael Morton returned to his home outside Austin, Texas, to find his wife, Christine, had been beaten to death. The couple had a five-year-old son. Investigators focused on Michael almost immediately, building their case in part around the theory that he was upset about the couple's lack of intimacy the night before. He had no criminal history.
Wrongful Conviction
Morton was charged and, despite maintaining his innocence, convicted of his wife's murder. He lost custody of his son, who was told his father had killed his mother. Morton was later offered parole on the condition that he admit guilt; he refused, saying his claim of innocence was all he had left.
The Fight for DNA Testing
While in prison, Morton earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in literature. His legal team spent years petitioning courts for DNA testing on evidence from the crime scene, including a bandana found near the scene. Williamson County District Attorney John Bradley opposed the testing for roughly six years before a judge ultimately approved it in 2011.
Exoneration
DNA from the bandana matched Mark Alan Norwood, who was later connected to a separate, similar murder that had occurred after Christine Morton's death — while Michael was already in prison. Investigators also noted that Christine's credit cards had been used after her murder, during a period when Michael had no access to them. Morton was formally cleared on October 4, 2011, after 25 years in prison. The judge overseeing the case apologized to him for the miscarriage of justice.
Aftermath
Mark Alan Norwood was later convicted of Christine Morton's murder. John Bradley, the prosecutor who had resisted DNA testing, was removed from office and later spent a brief period in jail related to his conduct in the case. Morton wrote about his experience in the 2014 book "Getting Life." In 2013, Texas passed the Michael Morton Act, requiring prosecutors to share evidence more openly with the defense.
FAQ
How long was Michael Morton wrongfully imprisoned?
Nearly 25 years, from his 1987 conviction until his exoneration in 2011.
Who actually killed Christine Morton?
DNA evidence linked Mark Alan Norwood to the murder; he was later convicted.
What is the Michael Morton Act?
A 2013 Texas law requiring prosecutors to share evidence with the defense more openly, passed as a direct result of this case.