State attorney works to free ‘rehabilitated' convicted murderer

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — It has been 20 years since Edward Francis was convicted in connection with a brutal murder, and now he’s getting a help from an unlikely place to get out.

State Attorney Jeff Ashton is asking a judge to release Francis, saying the convict has been appropriately punished and rehabilitated.

Authorities say another man, Steven Evans, pulled the trigger, but Francis admitted he took part in torturing 28-year-old Kenneth Lewis before he was killed.

Francis was 17 at the time.

Ashton is asking a judge to release Francis in part because of his cooperation with prosecutors in convicting Evans, who is now on death row.

If a judge does agree to release Francis, Ashton is asking for him to be put on probation for five years.

“Prison is supposed to be punishment and rehabilitation,” Ashton said. “In this case it worked.”

Family members of the victim could not be reached for comment.

Evans’ family members were supportive of the idea, saying Francis was young when the murder happened, and is remorseful and deserves a second chance.

Ashton spoke with Francis Thursday morning and hopes a judge Keith Carsten will make a decision Friday.

Francis, now 37, told Ashton if he gets out he will make the most of the second chance.

“I hope I’m right,” Ashton said.

WFTV