Angel was convicted of aggravated rape, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, a crime that he did not commit. In December 1987 Angel was pulled over by Chicopee police and asked to participate in a line-up. Instead of doing a line-up, the police took Angel to the victim's home shortly after the crime. She identified Angel from behind a screen door at night while police officers shone a flashlight on Angel's face. Angel had worn a goatee since he was 15 years old. The victim identified him as the man who raped her, despite telling police the perpetrator did not have any facial hair.

Angel's first trial resulted in a mistrial. He could not afford a private attorney for his second trial so one was appointed for him. Unfortunately this attorney did not have Angel's case file, and the judge denied a motion for continuance to better allow the attorney to prepare for trial. On November 23, 1988 Angel was sentenced to 12-18 years in jail. In prison Angel took all the English classes available to him, and when he completed those he continued to teach himself to read by using a dictionary. Angel also studied the law in an attempt to help himself. In 1991 he learned of DNA testing through an article he read. He knew this was the answer to prove his innocence. Unfortunately, through much wrangling, it was not until April 2001 that the courts allowed testing. Angel was released on August 15, 2001.

Angel struggles with similar issues to others who have been exonerated before him. He struggles for some semblance of normalcy, independence, stability and security. Fortunately, Angel secured housing with the help of the community and was able to raise enough money for a security deposit. Angel is having trouble finding employment as many employers are wary of his history, despite all the press explaining he was exonerated. Angel is currently involved in trying to pass a statue in Massachusetts to make DNA testing mandatory upon request. He also speaks at various colleges and helps raise awareness of this important issue of wrongfully convicted individuals and the need for post-conviction DNA testing.

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Last updated April 16, 2002