DNA clears man of murder, rape

New Haven (WTNH) - Kenneth Ireland spent 21 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Today he was back in a New Haven court where prosecutors dropped all charges against him.

"I feel amazing, it feels amazing. It's been a long time coming and I've just got to breathe now," Ireland said as he walked out of court.

Ireland was tried and convicted of raping and murdering Barbara Pelkey. The 30 year-old woman was the mother of four. She was found dead at the manufacturing plant in Wallingford where she worked in 1986.

The victim's daughters were in court today as well, but did not make any statements to the media. Prosecutors tell News Channel 8 that they are still in shock.

In 1989 Ireland was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison.

He always claimed he was innocent, and the Connecticut Innocence Project took on his case. Fortunately for Ireland, DNA evidence from the original crime was kept. New technology allowed authorities to re-test that evidence and they found there was no way Ireland could have killed Pelkey.

Ireland was released from prison two weeks ago. He's now 39 years old and has spent his whole adult life locked up. Ireland's lawyer did not get into specifics about his client's next step, but you might remember the case of James Tillman, who spent 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. He was awarded a $5 million settlement from the state.