After excluding the DNA of the victim's husband, the study found five different samples of DNA, all identified as coming from the same unknown individual and inconsistent with Tillman's DNA, leading to his exoneration and release 18 years into the 45-year sentence.
Following the exclusion of the husband's DNA from the investigation, the study revealed five separate DNA samples that matched an unknown individual and did not match Tillman's DNA, resulting in his release from prison 18 years into a 45-year sentence after being wrongly convicted.