Judge hears arguments as Paul Garrett attempts to clear his name of 2000 murder
DNA evidence points to wrongful conviction in 2000 murder case.
and last updated 2021-07-22 21:55:25-04
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) â After years behind bars, Paul Shane Garrett could once and for all have his name cleared for a murder he says he didnât commit.
Garrett pleaded guilty to the voluntary manslaughter of Velma Tharpe in 2000, but has maintained that he did not kill Tharpe. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents now say DNA evidence points to a Calvin Atchison, who was arrested in May.
We never saw much emotion from Garrett, during Thursday s hearing, other than one moment where it appeared as if he couldnât believe he had come this far. He was released from prison in 2011, around the same time TBI agent Laura Boos received more evidence from Tharpeâs case.