A Texas judge released an Austin man who spent nearly 25 years in prison after recent DNA tests suggested that another man was responsible for beating his wife to death.

Michael Morton, 57, on Tuesday was released on his own recognizance, pending consideration of his case by the state Court of Criminal Appeals, which will make the final determination on his request to overturn his conviction for his wife’s 1986 murder in Williamson County. District Judge Sid Harle freed Morton after a hearing in Georgetown, about 30 miles north of Austin.

Morton could be seen in video posted online sitting with his mother in court after his release. He thanked the judge and his attorneys at the New York-based Innocence Project.

“There are a lot of things I can’t say right now because I still have this thing hanging over my head,” he said. “I know there are a lot of things you want to ask me. I will say this: Colors seem real bright to me now, and the women are real good-looking,” Morton said, laughing.

His mother, Pat Morton, said, “This is one of the happiest days of my life, and I thank God for it.”