(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Nearly 13 years after a Chicago police officer was shot and killed while trying to stop an armed robbery, a judge vacated the conviction of one man after charges against two other suspects in the case were dropped.
Officer Clifton Lewis was off-duty in 2011, when he was shot while working as a security guard at a West Side convenience store.
Alexander Villa was convicted and later sentenced to life in prison.
At the time, Lewis' sister felt justice was done, after years of waiting.
"We don't get to hear his voice, see his smile, we've been suffering."
Villa's family, including his sister, insisted he was innocent.
"In this country, you are guilty until proven innocent."
Villa's lawyers accused prosecutors of withholding evidence that proved his innocence. It included cell phone maps that showed he was at the crime scene and information about alternative suspects.
Two other men were charged in the case, but those charges were dismissed years after they were arrested.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
