Juan Rivera was convicted of a 1992 murder and rape of a 12 year old girl. Rivera confessed to the crime. After losing two trial for murder. Melissa, a criminal justice major, who was performing volunteer work at the prison, met Rivera and wanted to assist him with his case. They fell in love and married 12 years ago while Rivera was serving a long prison sentence.
In 2005 Rivera's guilt came into question when it was discovered that the DNA taken from the victims body was not that of Rivera. On Friday, the Illinois Appellate Court reversed Rivera “third” trial conviction and instructed the Lake County Prosecutor's office not to trial Rivera again.
Milessa said,” I always believed that Juan was innocent, now Juan and I will finally be able to be together forever.” Full Story Daily Herald