Cathy Watkins (
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Two wrongly convicted and long-suffering inmates were finally cleared today of charges from a 1995 murder — but they’ll still have to spend another five days behind bars.
A Bronx judge this morning vacated the convictions of Eric Glisson, 37, and Cathy Watkins, 44, who have served nearly two decades for the shooting of livery driver Baithe Diop.
As a condition of the release, they will be monitored closely for 90 days and must wear ankle bracelets to track their movements.
But because the bracelets were not immediately available, they will have to stay behind bars on Rikers Island until Wednesday.
“I’m told that in Manhattan, having the bracelets is in the normal course of business,” quipped Peter Cross, who represents Glisson.
Glisson’s family was ready for his release.
His uncle, Clarence Glisson, brought a box of clothes for his nephew to wear home.
“It’s hard, you know going to school and hearing other girls talk about thier dad and the time they enjoyed together. It’s hard for me,” said Cynthia Morales, 17, who was born two weeks before her dad went to jail.
When asked if she was disappointed that she’ll have to wait until next week to be reunited with her dad, she said, “yes,” and broke down in tears.
As a condition of the release, the Bronx District Attorney’s office can re-prosecute Watkins and Glisson if they can dig up any compelling evidence within the next 90 days.