York one relieved from the death wing due to crime that he did not commit

York County, Pa. (WHP) – For 23 years a former inmate of York County was sitting in the death cell for a crime he did not commit, and for two years since he became a free man, he has still tried to rebuild his life.

“I see too many people who are innocent cry, too many people take their lives, too many people. We are innocent men,” said Noel Montalvo, former inmate in York County Death Row.

The now 60 -year -old Montalvo was convicted with his brother about the murders of the woman and her new friend of his brother. Although MontalVo was not found guilty later, he said that his fight was far from over.

“I sleep in storage. I take my showers in the gym and go to work,” said Montalvo.

Montalvo, who once worked on becoming a civil engineer, let his life turn upside down after a witness claimed that he had been planning the murders, but MontalVo claimed that his process was incorrect right from the start.

“No physical evidence, no DNA evidence,” said Montalvo. As he tried behind bars, he tried to free his spirit by studying the law to prove what he always knew – that he was innocent.

It took over a decade to collect new DNA tests and get a new judge, but in 2019 Montalvo got a second chance. A judge ordered a new procedure in which MontalVo had nothing to do with the double murders. His DNA was not even found at the scene. Four years later he went away a free man.

“I'm so happy because no more death cells,” said Montalvo.

However, freedom was not easy. Montalvo has a job, but lives in Lancaster County. His dream is to return to Puerto Rico to see his parents in the 80s. Montalvo said he can't help but think what his life would look like if he had never been prison, and he is on the mission to speak out against the death penalty.

“The death cell is not good for anyone. This is my personal opinion,” he said.

The inmates of the death line are exposed to the state and they are rare visits. The last execution dates from 1999 in Pennsylvania, and Governor Josh Shapiro has set itself the task of not issuing any execution orders during his tenure and legislators are asked to abolish the death penalty.

On the other hand, President Trump wants to restore it.

“I understand the death cell perfectly, not good. In the state of Pennsylvania.” I am a person. I'm not an animal, “said Montalvo.

According to the death penalty information center, MontalVo admitted to leaving the state with his brother on the day of the murders, but claimed that he had no role in the murders.

Montalvo also said that he was with his lawyer Brian Zieger a complaint of several million dollars that turned CBS21 but had not yet heard.