Florida, August 9: An Indian-origin man, Kris Maharaj, in the United States, passed away on August 5 after spending 38 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Kris Maharaj was convicted in 1986 and later sentenced to life imprisonment in 2002; his wrongful conviction was overturned in 2019. Despite being declared innocent, Maharaj remained behind bars due to a court ruling. His wife is seeking help to bring his body back to the UK.

Maharaj died in the US prison hospital at the Florida State Prison. Maharaj was convicted for the murders of Derrick and Duane Moo Young. Despite being declared innocent, Maharaj remained imprisoned due to a US Court of Appeals ruling that the evidence of his innocence was insufficient for his release. Originally from Trinidad and residing in England since 1960, Maharaj was arrested in Florida while visiting with his wife to buy a retirement home. Indian-American Man Killed in US: Gavin Dasaur Shot Dead in Indiana in Suspected Road Rage Incident; Disturbing Video Surfaces.

Before his arrest, Maharaj was a prosperous businessman in England, known for his ownership of racehorses and Rolls-Royces. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was detained in Florida while on a trip with his wife to purchase a retirement home. Canada: Indian-Origin Man Identified As Yuvraj Goyal Shot Dead in British Columbia Province; Police Suspect Targeted Killing.

Maharaj’s life changed dramatically when he was arrested and convicted of the murders. Despite maintaining his innocence and his wife’s testimony, he was sentenced to death and spent 17 years on death row before his sentence was commuted.

His wife, Marita Maharaj, expressed deep sorrow over his passing, stating, "I promised Kris in 1976 that we would be together until death we do part, and I am heartbroken that he died alone in that dreadful place," according to a media outlet. She also wished to have his remains buried in the UK.

Marita Maharaj is now working to repatriate her husband's body to the UK for burial and remains committed to clearing his name. His family has also sought financial assistance to transport his remains from the US for burial in the UK.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2024 05:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).