A U.S. Navy veteran imprisoned in Mexico for more than 13 years for a crime he did not commit is now a free man after a judge overturned his conviction.
Frisvold had been imprisoned for the 2010 killing of Natalya Sidorova, a Russian citizen married to American Jerry Schultz. Frisvold said in interviews with ABC News that the three of them traveled to Acapulco after Schultz promised Frisvold, an acquaintance, a job when they returned to Sacramento.
After a bystander noticed the scene, Schultz appeared to call for help, according to the surveillance footage. Court filings reviewed by ABC News show he later identified Frisvold as the assailant, but both men were arrested by local authorities and charged in Sidorova's slaying. Frisvold has since maintained his innocence but was stuck in prison for 13 years of complicated proceedings in a language he still doesn't understand. He was first convicted of qualified homicide in 2017, even after a government-employed criminologist testified that Frisvold could not be the man in the surveillance footage because of differences in their skull structure and facial features, according to the court documents.
During Frisvold's early years in prison, his father, also named James Frisvold, visited multiple times, urging local officials to release him. But the elder Frisvold's efforts failed to attract much initial attention and he died in February 2020 -- a loss that the U.S. Navy veteran still has trouble talking about.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Navy doctor in Coronado pleads guilty to conspiracy in $2M insurance fraud schemeFederal prosecutors said Dr. Michael Villarroel, 51, received $180,000 in kickbacks for signing off on exaggerated or fake injury claims
Read more »
Ex-Navy rescue swimmer from Illinois charged after trying to drown condo security guard, police sayThe condo's security guard told deputies that Seth Andrew Beavers was at the pool after hours. When asked to leave, Beavers reportedly started a fight.
Read more »
American Tourist Shot in the Leg at Mexican Resort Town on Caribbean CoastProsecutors said the American was approached by several suspects near midnight Monday and they shot him in the leg.
Read more »
Video shows guards at Mexican detention center flee fire that killed 38 without releasing migrantsTwo guards seen leaving don’t even look at the migrants frantically trying to escape from the locked cell.
Read more »
Migrants fearing deportation set fatal fire, Mexican president saysOfficials confirmed more than three dozen people died in the fire. Shelters in Ciudad Juarez are at capacity – crowded with migrants fleeing their countries.
Read more »