Prisoner to Get New Hearing in 1990 New York City Killing

A man imprisoned for nearly a quarter-century in a notorious New York City tourist killing will get a new hearing on his claim of innocence.

A Manhattan judge agreed Friday to hear evidence that Johnny Hincapie hopes will clear him in the 1990 death of Brian Watkins of Provo, Utah. The evidence includes a statement from an exonerated co-defendant saying Hincapie played no part in the attack.

The hearing will likely be next month.

Defense lawyer Ron Kuby says he's confident Hincapie "will be able to demonstrate his actual innocence in a horrific crime."

The Manhattan district attorney's office declined to comment. Prosecutors have said there's "no credible newly discovered evidence."

Watkins was killed defending his mother from a subway-platform mugging while visiting for the U.S. Open tennis tournament.