Source: The Washington Times
Author: Associated Press
Date: April 6, 2016
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Texas’ highest criminal court has ordered a new trial for a former Fort Worth police officer convicted of rape after his alleged victim admitted that she lied during his trial.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled Wednesday that Brian Franklin did not receive a fair trial in 1995 when he was convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl and given a life sentence.
Now in her 30s, the alleged victim testified two years ago that she lied in part of her testimony, but she stood by her accusation that Franklin raped her in her father’s backyard.
The court ordered Franklin be placed in local custody while authorities decide whether to prosecute him again.
A spokeswoman for the Tarrant County district attorney declined to comment.
