william ziegler , now 39 , was initially convicted of capital murder in 2001 for killing russell allen baker , an acquaintance of his who was found dead next to his house in mobile the previous year .
however in 2012 his conviction was overturned by judge sarah stewart who blasted his initial trial , pointing out that his lawyers were substandard , a key witness later recounted her testimony , and that a juror lied about his views on the death penalty during selection .
the ruling , which has been hailed by mr ziegler 's family , marks the second time in recent weeks that a death row prisoner has walked free .