From left: Marvin Roberts, Eugene Vent, Kevin Pease and George Frese celebrate their freedom at the David Salmon Tribal Hall in Fairbanks, Alaska, on December 17, 2015. Photo from Tanana Chiefs Conference / Facebook

The Native community in Alaska rejoiced on Thursday as a judge lifted the murder convictions against four men who spent 18 years behind bars for a crime they insist they did not commit.

Marvin Roberts, George Frese, Eugene Vent and Kevin Pease -- also known as the Fairbanks Four -- reached a settlement to be released from prison for the October 1997 murder of John Hartman. Roberts was already out on parole and was joined by the other three at a celebration at the David Salmon Tribal Hall in Fairbanks after they were freed.

"I hope this settlement helps to begin the healing process, and provides some measure of justice and closure for Eugene Vent, Kevin Pease, George Frese and Marvin Roberts as they return home to their families," Gov. Bill Walker (I) said on Facebook.

Roberts, Frese and Vent are Alaska Native. Pease is a member of the Crow Tribe of Montana.

The four were under the age of 21 when they were accused of beating Hartman to death. Hartman, who was non-Native, was only 15 at the time.

Alaska Natives believe the case against the four was racially motivated. Other non-Native suspects have been identified but have not been prosecuted.

"These four young men have been in jail for 18 years -- 18 years -- pleading their innocence," Victor Joseph, the president of the Tanana Chiefs Conference, said at the National Congress of American Indians annual convention in San Diego, California, in October.

Get the Story:
Fairbanks Four freed as judge accepts deal to throw out indictments, convictions (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 12/18)
'We're home!': Fairbanks Four embraced at raucous reception (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 12/18)
'Just overwhelming': Leaders, family react to Fairbanks Four release (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 12/18)
Judge frees men convicted in Fairbanks 4 case (AP 12/18)
Convictions of Four Alaska Men Over 1997 Beating Death of Teen Dismissed (Reuters 12/18)
Fairbanks Four released from prison under settlement with state (Alaska Dispatch News 12/17)
With new suspects eyed, Fairbanks Four await word on freedom, fresh start (Alaska Dispatch News 12/16)
Timeline of the Fairbanks Four case (Alaska Dispatch News 12/16)

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