Judge considers murder retrial

SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WWLP) - Family and friends of convicted murderer Charles Wilhite continued their push to get him a new trial.

Thursday, Wilhite had the chance to face the judge who sentenced him to life in prison without parole.

This time, it was to talk about a retrial.

Wilhite was arrested in 2009 for killing Alberto Rodriguez.

In 2010, he and another man, Angel Hernandez, were convicted of the murder.

A jury reached that verdict in three hours.

It’s a verdict his family says was reached without all the facts.

His mother Sheila Drungo, said, “It's been very emotional, been very hard, we just want justice, we just want him home." 

Vira Douangmany, Wilhite's aunt, said “The fact that he can't do anything inside and he is truly innocent he doesn't belong in a maximum security prison for life."

They hired a private investigator who found evidence supporting Wilhite's innocence, including two witnesses who allegedly recanted their testimonies.

In court Thursday, Hampden Superior Court Judge Peter Velis said, "Each case rises and falls on Although Judge Velis did not make a decision about a retrial, the fact that's its being discussed is bringing new hope for Wilhite's family.

Wilhite's lawyer is also putting together a proposal to get money to fund a further private investigation.