Man freed after DNA evidence clears him of 1992 murder

CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago man sent to prison for the 1992 rape and murder of a 6-year-old boy is free after his conviction was vacated by a Cook County judge.

New DNA evidence shows Mark Maxson did not kill Lindsey Murdock. The 55-year-old Maxson was freed Tuesday from Stateville Correctional Center near Joliet.

In a statement, the Cook County state's attorney office said re-investigation of the case determined Maxson's conviction couldn't stand. Prosecutors say the investigation into the boy's murder is ongoing.

Investigators focused on Maxson after he told a reporter he'd bought chips for the child and told him to go home. Murdock was found dead the next day.

No physical evidence linked Maxson to the crime. Defense attorney Elliot Zinger said Maxson's confession was coerced by detectives working for disgraced police commander John Burge.