A University City man sentenced for a brutal murder back in 1982 is now officially free, according to a report from KMOX. A three-member state appeals court panel upheld a lower court’s decision that led to his release from prison last month.

KMOX reported the following quote from attorneys working with the Innocence Project:

“We’re thrilled the appeals court has acted quickly to dismiss the Attorney General’s meritless appeal,” said Barry Scheck, co-director of the Innocence Project. “We are relying on Attorney General Koster to keep his word and not further delay justice for Mr. Allen and his family by further appealing today’s decision.”

George Allen, 56, was convicted of the 1982 rape and murder of 31-year-old Mary Bell in her LaSalle Park apartment. The first trial resulted in a hung jury and the second sent him to prison for 95 years.

Prosecutors used a confession Allen gave to investigators to make their case, but Allen’s defense contended the confession by their client, who suffers from schizophrenia, was coerced.

Cole County Judge Daniel Green overturned the capital murder, rape, sodomy and first degree burglary charges against Allen on Nov. 2, after determining evidence beneficial to him was withheld. Green ordered Allen released in November.

See our previous coverage of Allen's case:

• Justice Delayed: Lacy Clay Jumps Into George Allen Fray With Attorney General
• Attorney General to Appeal Overturned George Allen Conviction
• U City Man Could Walk Away from Life Sentence
• Attorneys Say Uncovered Evidence Shows U City Man is Innocent of 1982 Murder
• Two Congressmen Join Effort to Free U City Man Serving Life
• Lawyers Say New Evidence Proves U City Man Innocent of 1982 Rape, Murder