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Homicide

Woman wrongly convicted of murder declared innocent after 17 years in California prison

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    FILE-This Oct. 24, 2014 file photo shows Susan Mellen sits in Torrance Superior Court in Torrance, Calif. Mellen who spent 17 years in a California prison for a murder she didn't commit was declared factually innocent Friday, Nov. 21, 2014 clearing the way for her to collect about $600,000 in compensation from the state. (AP Photo/The Daily Breeze, Brad Graverson,File) MAGS OUT; NO SALES (The Associated Press)

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    David Mellen, kisses his aunt, Susan Mellen, after they leave Torrance Superior Court where she was declared factually innocent for a murder she spent 17 years in prison for, Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, in Torrance, Calif. Judge Mark Arnold made the ruling Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Arnold previously overturned Mellen's conviction in the 1997 beating death of a homeless man. Her conviction was based on the testimony of a notorious liar. Prosecutors agreed Mellen was wrongly convicted. (AP Photo/The Daily Breeze, Brad Graverson) MAGS OUT; NO SALES (The Associated Press)

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    Susan Mellen talks briefly to Judge Mark Arnold in Torrance Superior Court where she was declared factually innocent for a murder she spent 17 years in prison for, Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, in Torrance, Calif. Arnold previously overturned Mellen's conviction in the 1997 beating death of a homeless man. Her conviction was based on the testimony of a notorious liar. Prosecutors agreed Mellen was wrongly convicted. (AP Photo/The Daily Breeze, Brad Graverson) MAGS OUT; NO SALES (The Associated Press)

TORRANCE, Calif. – A woman who spent 17 years in a California prison for a murder she didn't commit has been declared factually innocent.

Judge Mark Arnold made the ruling Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court in the case of Susan Mellen.

City News Service says Mellen is grateful for the ruling that clears the way for her to claim about $600,000 from the state in compensation.

Arnold previously overturned Mellen's conviction in the 1997 beating death of a homeless man. Her conviction was based on the testimony of a notorious liar. Prosecutors agreed Mellen was wrongly convicted.

Mellen's attorney says the 59-year-old Gardena woman left prison broke. Mellen can now claim $100 for every day she spent behind bars.