Hawaii man freed after 30 years in prison for murder he denied committing, celebrates with steak dinner

A Hawaii man, Gordon Cordeiro, was recently released from prison after spending 30 years behind bars for a crime he maintains he did not commit. Cordeiro was convicted in 1994 for the murder of Timothy Blaisdell on the island of Maui. However, new DNA evidence emerged that ultimately led to the overturning of his conviction, securing his freedom.

One of the first things Cordeiro did upon his release was to enjoy a steak dinner and visit his mother’s grave. His mother, Paulette, had passed away just a month before he was arrested, at the age of 49 from ALS. Cordeiro and his sisters had taken care of her before her death.

Cordeiro expressed his gratitude at his mother’s grave, thanking her for watching over him and keeping him safe. He recounted memories of being with her and building shelving units for the family at the time of the crime.

After his steak dinner and visit to his mother’s grave, Cordeiro celebrated with family at his father’s house. The following day, he paid respects to other relatives’ graves and made a trip to Costco. Despite the significant changes that have occurred during his time in prison, such as the destruction of Lahaina by a wildfire in 2023, Cordeiro expressed that everything feels normal to him.

Technology has also evolved significantly during Cordeiro’s time in prison. He mentioned that everyone is now constantly engrossed in their phones, a stark contrast to his time before incarceration when he only had a pager. He now has a smartphone but admitted that he is still adjusting to the constant beeping and messages.

Judge Kirstin Hamman announced the vacating of Cordeiro’s sentence and his release. The new evidence, including DNA test results, was deemed likely to change the outcome of another trial. However, Maui County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin plans to appeal and seek bail for Cordeiro’s release.

Cordeiro’s immediate plans include fixing cars, assisting with his father’s house, and potentially giving back to the community. He expressed gratitude for the new DNA evidence that ultimately led to his release, emphasizing the power of technology in ensuring justice.

In conclusion, Gordon Cordeiro’s story is one of resilience and hope in the face of injustice. His newfound freedom marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life, where he can now focus on rebuilding and moving forward after three decades of wrongful imprisonment.