Story perspectives

Manhattan Judge Vacates Harry Ruiz Murder Conviction After Payment Revelations

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Manhattan Judge Robert Mandelbaum vacated Harry Ruiz’s 1994 murder conviction, ordering his release.
The review uncovered $17,000 in payments and housing given to the mother of the 13-year-old eyewitness that prosecutors omitted.
A 2002 informant admission that a person was paid to kill Emmanuel Felix was later corroborated by another source.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the new evidence significantly undermines the case presented at trial.

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Story summary

Manhattan Judge Robert Mandelbaum vacated Harry Ruiz’s 1994 murder conviction, ordering his release.
The review uncovered $17,000 in payments and housing given to the mother of the 13-year-old eyewitness that prosecutors omitted.
A 2002 informant admission that a person was paid to kill Emmanuel Felix was later corroborated by another source.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the new evidence significantly undermines the case presented at trial.