not guilty of. [Applause] >> After 25 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Daniel Vleos finally heard not guilty. This is the story of his coerced confession and the courtroom moment that set him free. On April 10th, 1993, in northeast El Paso, two teens, 17-year-old Armando Lasso and 18-year-old Bobby England, were killed in a drive-by shooting after a house party on Electric Street. Two others were wounded. There were no fingerprints, no DNA, and no eyewitnesses linking anyone to the crime. 16-year-old Daniel Viegas, a local kid with no criminal record, was arrested soon after. During a long interrogation, Detective Chris Monata allegedly threatened him about his family. Daniel signed a confession, but no physical evidence supported it. His 1994 trial ended in a hung jury. In 1995, he was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole. He served 18 years, always claiming innocence. Build up the appeals. Daniel's family and supporters fought for years through appeals and denied parole. In 2013, a judge ruled his original lawyers were ineffective for not challenging the confession properly. The conviction was overturned, but prosecutors retried him. The 2017 retrial also ended in a hung jury 11-1 for a quiddle. In 2018, a third trial began in El Paso's 49th District Court. The confession was ruled inadmissible. Survivors testified it wasn't him and no evidence connected him to the shooting. The jury, seven women, five men, deliberated for 9 hours over two days. Daniel, now 41, waited with supporters, including Innocence Project lawyers. The courtroom went quiet. Judge Sam Madano called the jury. Daniel stood with his lawyers, Joe Spencer and Buddy Stevens, looking emotional as the baleiff handed over the verdict. 9th judicial district, the state of Texas versus Daniel Viegas. Number 94 0D09328. Verdict form B. We the jury find the defendant Daniel Viegas not guilty of [Applause] Ladies and gentlemen, is this your verdict? [Applause] >> Daniel broke down in tears, collapsing as the gallery cheered. Judge Madano said, "Mr. Villagus, you are no longer under any conditions. You are free to leave. Good luck to you, sir." Daniel later said it was overwhelming. After 9 hours, the verdict ended 25 years of legal battles. Aftermath, life after. Released, Daniel married, started a family, and was acquitted in an unrelated 2024 case. He's suing El Paso PD for coercion, and as of 2025, the case is heading to trial. No settlement yet. His story highlights the dangers of false confessions. But after 25 years lost, was justice served or too late? Comment your thoughts. Did the system fail him? Like and subscribe for more on wrongful convictions. [Music]