Grundy County man freed after 2007 murder conviction thrown out

August 2, 2019 at 3:26 p.m. | Updated August 2, 2019 at 3:38 p.m.

by Staff Report

Adam Braseel, right, sits at the defense table in Grundy County Circuit Court on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at the start of a hearing on his petition for a new trial. Braseel was convicted in 2007 of first-degree murder in the death of 60-year-old Malcolm Burrows.
Adam Braseel, right, sits at the defense table in Grundy County Circuit Court on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at the start of a hearing on his petition for a new trial. Braseel was convicted in 2007 of first-degree murder in the death of 60-year-old Malcolm Burrows.
photo Adam Braseel

After 12 years, Adam Braseel is a free man.

During a hearing in a Grundy County court Friday, a plea deal was reached in which Braseel's murder conviction was dropped in exchange for pleading guilty to aggravated assault. Judge Justin Angel ordered him freed immediately.

Braseel, 36, was found guilty in 2007 in the beating death of Malcolm Burrows and in an assault on Burrows' sister. He had sought a new trial, saying he was a victim of mistaken identity.

Throughout his case, supporters and family members have filled courtrooms. Friday was no different. After the judge's announcement, the gallery erupted in cheers.

In pleading guilty to aggravated assault, which is a felony, he faced 3-12 years in prison but will be released for time already served.

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