August 7th 2023.
Leron Liggins can finally claim victory after a panel of three judges from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously agreed to grant him a new trial. The decision was due to the judge presiding over his trial, Stephen Murphy III, making racist comments.
During the January 2020 hearing, Murphy had expressed frustration after Liggins changed his attorney a second time. In response, Murphy remarked on the record, “What do you want me to do? This guy looks like a criminal to me. This is what criminals do. This isn’t what innocent people who want a fair trial do.”
Liggins quickly filed a motion for Murphy to be recused the day before his trial, and although Murphy apologized and claimed it wouldn't affect his ruling, the judges disagreed and said Murphy should have stepped down.
The judges noted that even without racial bias, the comment still raised the specter of such bias and that other statements Murphy made could be seen as prejudging Liggins' guilt.
Due to the judge's comments, the Southfield, Michigan, native's conviction on two drug charges was tossed and he will get a new trial with a different judge. Although his charges were vacated, they were never dropped.
Leron Liggins is now getting a fresh start with a new trial and a chance for a fair verdict.
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