Evidentiary hearing set for 2 men convicted in 1994 rape

CHICAGO (AP) - Lawyers for the University of Chicago's Exoneration Project are seeking the release of two men serving life sentences for a 1994 rape and murder.

According to a petition filed in Cook County Circuit Court, new forensic testing show DNA from the victim's underwear matches that of a serial rapist. Nevest Coleman and Darryl Fulton were convicted in the rape and murder of Antwinica Bridgeman.

Court records show at the time of the slaying, Coleman worked as a member of the grounds keeping crew at Comiskey Park. Fulton lived near Coleman in Englewood.

Both the then 25-year-old Coleman and 27-year-old Fulton confessed to the crime. The two later said their confessions were coerced.

Mark Rotert of the Cook County State's Attorney's Conviction Integrity Unit says the office remains uncertain about the claims and asked for more time to gather facts. Judge Dennis Porter set a hearing for Aug. 18.