Darien Harris Files Lawsuit Against City and Police
A Chicago man, Darien Harris, is suing the city and its police department after spending 12 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit. Harris was convicted in 2014 based on faulty eyewitness testimony and alleges police misconduct in his federal civil rights lawsuit.
Freedom After Years of Injustice
Harris was sentenced to 76 years behind bars for a fatal shooting at a gas station in 2011. However, his sentence was overturned in December 2023 thanks to the work of The Exoneration Project. The organization revealed that a key eyewitness, who claimed to have seen the shooting, was legally blind due to advanced glaucoma. Harris was released at the age of 30 after serving a significant portion of his sentence.
Lawsuit Alleges Fabrication and Coercion
The lawsuit filed by Harris accuses Chicago police of fabricating evidence and coercing witnesses into making false statements. This alleged misconduct led to his wrongful conviction and years of stolen freedom.
Struggles to Rebuild Life After Wrongful Imprisonment
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Harris spoke about the challenges he faces after his release. He lacks financial resources, struggles to obtain employment due to his felony record, and faces difficulties pursuing education. Harris expressed the profound impact of his wrongful conviction: “They took a piece of me that is hard for me to get back.”
City Yet to Respond, The Exoneration Project’s Track Record
The Chicago Law Department hasn’t responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit. The department is responsible for providing legal representation to the city and its employees.
The Exoneration Project, instrumental in Harris’ release, has a history of successful interventions. Since 2009, they’ve helped clear the names of over 200 wrongfully convicted individuals. In 2023 alone, they secured the freedom of a dozen people in Chicago’s Cook County.
