Portland, Ore. –A material witness in an Oregon murder trial will finally be released from jail on Thursday after more than 2 and a half years behind bars.
Benito Vasquez-Hernandez testified today in his son’s murder trial. He has been in jail awaiting that trial for 905 days.
According to the Oregonian, this may be the longest a witness has ever been jailed. Oregon judges can keep material witnesses in custody until the day they testify with no limit on the length of stay, however, this case is far from the norm.
A lengthy report in the newspaper profiles Vasquez-Hernandez, explaining that his lack of formal education, poverty and the fact that he’s an immigrant who doesn’t understand the American justice system are probable factors in why he was held for so long.
His 28-year-old son, also a material witness in the case, was jailed for 727 days before being released.
The judge ordered Vasquez-Hernandez to be released following his testimony. He will likely be freed by the end of the day.
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