Naperville Faces $22.5 Million Judgment
The city of Naperville has been ordered to pay $22.5 million in damages after a federal jury found that the wrongful conviction of William Amor, who was accused of arson and murder, violated his civil rights. The substantial award was granted to Amor’s estate, as he passed away last year before the case went to trial.
The 1995 Conviction and Subsequent Exoneration
William Amor was convicted in 1995 for the murder of his mother-in-law, a conviction based largely on his confession to setting the fire that killed her. However, Amor’s defense argued that Naperville investigators coerced the confession. After spending 22 years in prison, Amor was exonerated when a judge ruled that advancements in fire science disproved the possibility of the scenario described in his confession. The judge later acquitted him, leading to his release.
Legal Battle and Jury Decision
In 2018, Amor filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Naperville, claiming that his wrongful conviction was a result of investigative misconduct. Despite Amor’s death last year, his estate continued to pursue justice on his behalf. The federal jury’s decision to award $22.5 million in damages underscores the severity of the wrongful conviction.
Jon Loevy, the attorney representing Amor’s estate, expressed regret that Amor did not live to see the outcome of the case. “This trial really proved what happened to him,” Loevy said. “It really proved that his rights had been violated in a way that he didn’t ever fully understand. So I do regret that he didn’t get to watch the final chapter.”
Naperville’s Response and Potential Appeal
Naperville city attorney Mike Disanto expressed disappointment with the jury’s decision, noting that city officials are considering an appeal. The case has drawn significant attention to the issue of wrongful convictions and the impact of outdated investigative methods on the justice system.
