(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A 31-year-old Chicago man who was convicted of murder at the age of 18 — and who spent more than 12 years in prison before his conviction was vacated — has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and police.
Attorneys for Darien Harris accused police of committing egregious misconduct, fabricating evidence and coercing false witness statements.
The star eyewitness to the fatal 2011 shooting, for which Harris was initially charged and convicted, had been legally blind for years.
Harris' attorney, Lauren Myerscough-Mueller, spoke to the media after his conviction was vacated in 2023.
"The eyewitness is blind, and he could not have seen what he said he saw," said Myerscough-Mueller. "So there is significant evidence of his innocence."
The defense and the judge were unaware that the witness was blind when he testified.
Harris, who's due back in court later this week, will be seeking a certificate of innocence, which would help him get on with his life.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
