BALTIMORE (WBFF) - The state has dropped all charges against a man convicted of a fatal stabbing in 1998.

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Malcolm Jabbar Bryant received a life sentence in 1999, for a stabbing that took place on November 20, 1998. On the day of the murder, two teens were walking down Harford Road when they were accosted by a knife-wielding man near E Preston Street. One escaped but 16-year-old Toni Bullock was fatally stabbed. Based on information provided by Bullock's friend police released a sketch of the killer. Bryant was arrested and convicted by a jury for the murder.

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In March Bryant sent FOX45 a letter saying he was truly innocent.

In the letter Bryant wrote, "The state let me go to trial for Murder knowing that they where [sic] withholding evidence that clearly proves that I didnent [sic] kill Toni Bullock."

On Wednesday the prosecution dropped all charges, based on new DNA evidence.

Initial DNA samples from the victim's fingernails did not match Bryant's DNA when tested back in 2011. New DNA samples from bloodstains on the victim's shirt were tested in October 2015 and also did not match Bryant's DNA, in findings announced Wednesday.

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The prosecution said the DNA results prompted them to re-interview all the witnesses and review the trial transcripts. The prosecution's "only conclusion" was that the DNA was the killer's, and it did not match Bryant's.

Based on the DNA evidence the defense asked for a new trial. The judge granted their request but the prosecution canceled the charges.

"Hallelujah," Bryant's mother exclaimed when the judge announced he would be released.

Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby addressed Bryant's case following the hearing and apologized on behalf of the criminal justice system for the wrongful conviction.

"It is my genuine hope that when he is set free, that he will be able to return home, heal, adjust to his rightly deserved freedom and live his life to the fullest potential," Mosby said.

Her office will now work with the Baltimore Police Dept. to find the person responsible for the young girl's death.