>> reporter: he was one of three people charged with a 1979 rape and murder. paterson was attacked in front of her two small children. even her attacker slashed her throat, she ran about 100 yards to a neighbor's home where she went for help. now thanks for dna evidence and a push from the innocence program. >> if he was alive today he would say, i told in 1980 that i did not do this crime. >> reporter: ruffin's sister said his brother maintained his innocence until the day he died. he may not be able to walk away, but the two other men will. they are set to be free men. dixon was already released from prison a few weeks ago to undergo medical treatment for brain cancer and bivens remains