A Hawaii man, Gordon Cordeiro, was recently released from prison after spending 30 years behind bars for a murder he claims he did not commit. New DNA evidence led to the overturning of his conviction in the 1994 fatal shooting of Timothy Blaisdell on the island of Maui. Cordeiro’s first actions after his release included enjoying a steak dinner and visiting his mother’s grave. His mother had passed away in September 1994, just one month before Cordeiro’s arrest, and he had taken care of her along with his sisters before her death.
Cordeiro recalled expressing gratitude to his mother at her grave site just hours after his release, thanking her for keeping him safe. He reminisced about the time when Blaisdell was shot and killed during a drug deal robbery while he was helping his mother build shelving units for the family. After his steak dinner and visit to his mother’s grave, Cordeiro celebrated with family at his father’s house and made trips to other relatives’ graves and Costco. He mentioned that Maui has changed significantly during his time in prison, including the destruction of the historic town of Lahaina by a wildfire in 2023.
Upon his release, a judge vacated Cordeiro’s sentence and ruled that new evidence, including DNA test results, would likely change the outcome of another trial. Maui County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin has stated his intention to appeal the decision and seek to have bail imposed on Cordeiro’s release. Cordeiro’s first trial ended in a hung jury, and he was later found guilty of murder, robbery, and attempted murder, receiving a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. New DNA testing on physical evidence from the scene excluded him as the source of DNA on Blaisdell’s body and other crime scene evidence, with an unidentified DNA profile found on the inside pockets of Blaisdell’s jeans.
Cordeiro expressed relief and gratitude for the new DNA evidence that led to his release, calling technology “awesome.” He mentioned his immediate plans, which include fixing cars, assisting with his father’s house, and possibly giving back to the community. Cordeiro commented on the changes in technology and society that he has observed since his time in prison, noting the prevalence of smartphones and people constantly looking at their phones. Despite the changes, he described his initial moments of freedom as feeling normal and expressed a desire to help others in his community as he moves forward from his wrongful conviction.
In summary, Gordon Cordeiro’s 30-year wrongful imprisonment for a murder he did not commit has finally come to an end due to new DNA evidence that overturned his conviction. After his release, he enjoyed simple pleasures such as a steak dinner and visiting his mother’s grave. Despite changes in technology and society during his time in prison, Cordeiro remains optimistic about his future plans and hopes to give back to his community. The legal battle may continue as the prosecution plans to appeal the decision, but for now, Cordeiro is focused on rebuilding his life and reconnecting with his family after three decades of unjust incarceration.
