© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ryan Ferguson hearing is underway, Erickson recants testimony

Charles Erickson, in a Cole County Courtroom April 18, 2012
August Kryger
/
Columbia Daily Tribune
Charles Erickson, in a Cole County Courtroom April 18, 2012

Charles Erickson testified today that he believes Ryan Ferguson is innocent of the murder for which they are both in prison. Erickson originally implicated himself and Ferguson, but now says he has no firm memory of what happened that night.

He testified today that he had lied on the stand during Ferguson’s murder trial.

Erickson’s recantation is key to Ferguson’s case for release from prison. Today was the third day of his hearing in Jefferson City.

In 2009, Erickson took full responsibility for the murder, exonerating Ferguson. He now says that was a lie as well.

Erickson’s testimony is ongoing. The hearing is expected to last until Friday.