CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Their day of freedom has arrived.
After 39 years behind bars for a 1975 Cleveland murder they were wrongfully convicted of, two men were released from prison.
Fifty-seven-year-old Ricky Jackson and 60-year-old Wiley Bridgeman were both released at separate court hearings Friday morning.
Cuyahoga County prosecutors filed a motion Thursday to dismiss charges against Jackson and Bridgeman after the sole witness in the case admitted to lying decades after making his testimony. That witness was 13 years old at the time.
Their convictions stemmed from the murder of a man outside of a store in Cleveland.
When he walked into the courtroom at 9 a.m. Friday, Jackson was smiling and waving at people who were present for the hearing.
"Life is filled with small victories, and this is a big one," the judge said to Jackson. "Know who your friends are because everyone is going to want a piece of you. You better trust the people who you know you can trust, so I wish you good luck."
Immediately following the judge's comments, Jackson made a brief statement.
"I'd like to thank you for conducting the proceedings in a fair and impartial manner," Jackson said. "I would also like to thank the prosecutor's office for showing a lot of integrity. You guys let the evidence be heard and you followed the evidence. I would like to thank you."
When he rose to his feet a free man, Jackson stared skyward with a smile on his face before exchanging several hugs and walking out the door.
Bridgeman was officially released at 10:45 a.m. He, too, could not stop smiling during his hearing.
"I wish you the best of luck as you go forward," the judge said. "It's going to be difficult making the transition for you."
Bridgemen also offered a brief "thank you" to those in the court.
Bridgeman's 57-year-old brother, Ronnie, now known as Kwame Ajamu, has been free since 2003. He was present at both release hearings.
