Childhood friends imprisoned for decades cleared of 1987 New Year's killing in Times Square

A judge has vacated the convictions of two childhood friends accused of killing a tourist on New Year’s Day in 1987.

A court sent then-teenagers Eric Smokes and David Warren to prison for the murder of 71-year-old Jean Casse in Manhattan just minutes into the new year.

Smokes was released from prison on parole in 2011 after serving 24 years. Warren served 20 years before his release on parole in 2007.

The two men, who grew up together and described themselves as brothers, spent years trying to clear their name.

Their convictions were finally vacated after investigations found the teenage witnesses who testified against them were treated like suspects and gave testimony to avoid being arrested themselves.

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