[faucetman]

At first glance, (from the “HEAD” line), one would agree all the comments, but we really don’t have all the info here.

Apparently, from this unusual (to say the least) pardon, there HAS TO BE more to the story.

Bevin must have believed that this was the wrong guy (DNA) or he just had a YUGE payday.

[Mariner]

“Bevin must have believed that this was the wrong guy (DNA) or he just had a YUGE payday.”

Over 450 corrupt cases?

Extraordinarily unlikely.

[Kipp]

In his order, Bevin said he pardoned Partin because potential DNA evidence had not been tested.

Presumably this point was brought up in appeals and courts didn't give it credence. There wasn't DNA testing in court cases before about 1985 - this doesn't make those conviction invalid.