Chicago Man Sues City and Police After 12-Year Wrongful Imprisonment

Darien Harris, a 31-year-old man who spent over 12 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, is suing the city of Chicago and several police officers. Harris was convicted in 2014 for a fatal shooting at a South Side gas station, based largely on the testimony of a legally blind eyewitness.

Harris was just 18 years old when he was arrested in 2011. Despite having a clean criminal record, he was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated battery with a firearm. He was sentenced to 76 years in prison.

This case highlights the systemic issues in the criminal justice system, including wrongful convictions and police misconduct, which can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. If left unchecked, these issues can lead to further erosion of trust in law enforcement and the justice system, potentially destabilizing the rule of law.

The key testimony came from Dexter Saffold, a legally blind witness who identified Harris to be the shooter. Saffold's visual impairment was not disclosed during the trial. Medical records revealed that Saffold had been legally blind for nine years before the incident, and an ophthalmologist later confirmed his blindness.

Harris was released in December 2023 after new evidence emerged, including records showing Saffold's blindness. Prosecutors dropped all charges, and a judge vacated Harris's convictions. Harris is now seeking compensation in a federal civil rights lawsuit, alleging that police misconduct led to his wrongful conviction.

The lawsuit claims that police fabricated evidence, coerced witnesses, and made false identifications. It also alleges that the actual offender was a teenager who was killed months later in another Chicago shooting. A gas station employee identified this teenager to be the shooter and claimed that police tried to coerce him into falsely identifying Harris.

Harris has struggled to rebuild his life since his release. "I don't have any financial help. I'm still treated like a felon, so I can't get a good job. It's hard for me to get into school," he said. "I've been so lost. I feel like they took a piece of me that is hard for me to get back."

Harris is due in Cook County court on Thursday to request a certificate of innocence, which would help expunge his record. Prosecutors are expected to announce whether they will oppose his request.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about wrongful convictions and police misconduct in Chicago. Harris's lawsuit argues that his wrongful conviction was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of systemic issues at Area 2 headquarters.

Harris's struggle to rebuild his life highlights the devastating impact of wrongful convictions. His case serves as a powerful illustration of the need for accountability and reform in the criminal justice system.

Key Takeaways

• Darien Harris, 31, sues Chicago and police officers after 12 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit.
• Harris was convicted based on testimony from a legally blind eyewitness who wasn't disclosed as blind during the trial.
• New evidence emerged, including records of the witness's blindness, leading to Harris's release and vacated convictions.
• Harris alleges police misconduct, including fabricated evidence and coerced witnesses, in his federal civil rights lawsuit.
• Harris seeks compensation and a certificate of innocence to rebuild his life and expunge his record.