Nearly 10 years after he was convicted of the murder of a women's clothing store manager, who was killed when he was 15, Timothy Masters was released from prison after DNA evidence pointed to another suspect in the death of Peggy Hettrick. Masters, now 36, was convicted in 1999 and spent the last eight years in prison.
Larimer County District Judge Joseph Weatherby set aside the conviction, vacated the prison sentence and released Masters (pictured in 1987 mug shot) on a personal recognizance bond. Prosecutors must decide before early February whether to retry Masters or dismiss the charges.
Peggy Hettrick's body was found stabbed and sexually mutilated in a field near Fort Collins. Masters lived near the field at the time. Authorities investigated for more than 10 years before arresting Masters.
"Without their support, I don't know if I could have made it through this," Masters said of his defense team. "I want to go see my family."
David Wymore, one of Master's attorneys, said he plans to ask prosecutors to drop the case.
See Also:
Tim Masters Set Free
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Photo: Mug Shot
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