Ronnie Mahan and his brother Dale were convicted in Alabama for the 1983 abduction and rape of a young woman. The victim was taken from a shopping mall, taken to the woods, forced to use drugs, and raped several times.

The victim later identified the brothers from a photo lineup, having gotten a look at the perpetrators when they had lifted their masks. Based largely on her identification, Ronnie and Dale Mahan were convicted in 1984. Ronnie was sentenced to life without parole and Dale to thirty-five years in prison. At trial, the prosecution contended that Dale Mahan raped the victim while Ronnie watched.

The Mahans gained access to the biological evidence in 1998. Swabs from the rape kit were tested and excluded both brothers, the victim's husband, and another man named as a possible contributor. Examination of pubic hairs collected also excluded the Mahan brothers.

The prosecution moved for dismissal of charges against the brothers in December 1998. Ronnie and Dale Mahan were released the same month, each having spent over eleven years in prison.