A hearing is underway to find out whether a St. Louis man sentenced to life in prison for murder nearly 30 years ago is innocent.
Lamar Johnson was convicted of the killing of Marcus Boyd in 1995 over a $40 drug debt. Another man, Phil Campbell, was also accused and pleaded guilty in exchange for a shorter sentence.
A witness at the time identified Johnson and Campbell as the killers, but years later recanted his testimony. Later, two other men confessed and said that Johnson and Campbell were not involved. The men wrote a letter to Johnson, apologizing for their crime being pinned on him.
Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner's team hopes to prove Lamar Johnson was wrongfully convicted by pointing out that the witness later reversed course — plus, they have evidence from the Innocence Project that shows false police reports, secret payments, and other questionable practices that led to Johnson's conviction.
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt maintains that the investigation was done correctly, and will fight for Johnson to remain in prison and serve out his life sentence.
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