The DNA got him released in the end but it's not the problem with the system since there are cases with no DNA evidence in which people are wrongfully convicted the exact same way he was. Here is a summary of what happened. He is a black. All blacks look alike and are criminals. Therefore he is guilty. This is what went wrong and needs to be fixed, just as with an airplane that leaks fuel and isn't detected because of a faulty fuel readout, the answer isn't to carry more fuel.
Here are some things that are broken.
1. There is a presumption of guilt.
2. Prosecutors are interested in their kill ratio, not justice.
3. Judges are interested in arbitrary exercise of power, not justice.
4. It is very rare to find a public defender who diligently defends the interest of the defense. Public defenders work with the prosecution to get the case through the system.
5. In some jurisdictions elected judges don't need to have law backgrounds, or have demonstrated any competence or knowledge of the law.
6. The prison system is about punishment and exercise of power, not rehabilitation.
Here are some things that are broken.
1. There is a presumption of guilt.
2. Prosecutors are interested in their kill ratio, not justice.
3. Judges are interested in arbitrary exercise of power, not justice.
4. It is very rare to find a public defender who diligently defends the interest of the defense. Public defenders work with the prosecution to get the case through the system.
5. In some jurisdictions elected judges don't need to have law backgrounds, or have demonstrated any competence or knowledge of the law.
6. The prison system is about punishment and exercise of power, not rehabilitation.