May 29th 2024.
A man from Chicago, who was found guilty of murder, is taking legal action against the city and the police department. The case was largely based on the testimony of a witness who has a visual impairment. According to The Associated Press, Darien Harris was sentenced to 76 years in prison for his involvement in a fatal shooting at a gas station in 2014. However, after serving 12 years, a judge in Cook County overturned his conviction when it was revealed that the witness was legally blind. It was discovered that the witness had advanced glaucoma and had lied about his eyesight.
In April, Harris filed a civil rights lawsuit against the police officers involved, claiming that they fabricated evidence and coerced witnesses into making false statements. Harris expressed the difficulties he has faced since his conviction, stating, "I don't have any financial help. I'm still considered a felon, so finding a good job has been a challenge. It's also been hard for me to further my education. I feel like a part of me was taken away by this ordeal, and it's been hard to get it back."
CBS News Chicago reported that Harris's murder conviction was overturned after he was accused of killing a man at a gas station in Woodlawn in 2011. At the time, Harris was 18 years old, and the victim, Rondell Moore, was only 23. Harris was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated battery with a firearm. Throughout the trial, Harris maintained his innocence, claiming that he was watching the NBA finals between the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks at the time of the shooting.
Four years ago, at the request of Harris's family, the conviction integrity unit of Cook County's State Attorney Kim Foxx decided to re-examine the case. The unit argued that the main witness had not disclosed his visual impairment to the judge due to glaucoma. After a thorough investigation, prosecutors decided to overturn Harris's conviction and sentence, but they also determined that he would have to stand trial again.
On November 5, Cook County Judge Diana Kenworthy granted Harris's request, stating, "So we are going to start over." His conviction was officially overturned on December 5, and prosecutors originally intended to retry him on the charge. However, after thoroughly reviewing the case, they dropped all charges against Harris. He was finally released on December 19.
In a related story, it was recently revealed that former police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murdering George Floyd, had been accused of using excessive force on a woman months before the incident. This is just another case that raises concerns about police misconduct and the need for accountability.
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