Duane Williams Files $100 Million Lawsuit After Wrongful Conviction

News Summary

Duane Williams has filed a $100 million lawsuit after spending 11 years wrongfully convicted of arson and murder. Williams, who was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, seeks damages from the city and law enforcement agencies for the systemic failures that led to his wrongful conviction. His case highlights issues in the criminal justice system, including suppressed evidence and civil rights violations. Despite his exoneration, he continues to face emotional struggles, but he advocates for others affected by wrongful incarceration.

Detroit – Duane Williams has filed a $100 million lawsuit after spending 11 years wrongfully convicted of arson and murder. Williams, who was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, announced his federal complaint during a virtual news conference held on Tuesday. The seven-count lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit, seeks damages from the city and its police and fire departments, holding them accountable for his wrongful conviction.

Williams’ emotional journey during his wrongful incarceration was highlighted as he described a recent experience walking past construction that brought back memories from his time in prison. He expressed the profound impact that his time behind bars has had on his life and mental health, including feelings akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In 2009, Williams was accused of setting a house fire that led to the deaths of two individuals, Bobby Cross, aged 67, and Daryl Simms, aged 42. A Wayne County Circuit Court jury convicted him in 2013 of two counts of felony murder, second-degree murder, and arson, resulting in a life sentence without parole. His conviction was largely based on false testimony and manipulated evidence, which has since been exposed.

Recent investigations have revealed suppressed evidence, including critical photographs of a lighter and smoking materials found near the fire’s origin. Williams’ conviction was vacated in June 2024 due to a failure to disclose this evidence, leading to the dismissal of his case in October 2024. Authorities later established that the two victims perished from smoke inhalation resulting from an accidental fire ignited by a couch.

The misconduct of law enforcement is under scrutiny in Williams’ lawsuit, particularly a fire investigator who failed to disclose key findings during the original trial. This same investigator was previously involved in another wrongful conviction case, highlighting systemic issues in the criminal justice system. Williams’ lawsuit names several parties, including Wayne County and three police and fire investigators, alleging civil rights violations and fabricated evidence.

Despite the new evidence confirming Williams’ innocence, the family of one victim continues to maintain their belief in his guilt. This ongoing dispute underscores the complexities surrounding wrongful convictions and the human impact of systemic failures within the legal system.

Following his exoneration, Williams has struggled with emotional distress and personal relationships, especially with his wife. However, he has also found motivation in his experiences, leading him to help others affected by wrongful incarceration through his work with Firefly Advocates, a nonprofit organization advocating for criminal justice reform.

Williams has taken proactive steps to advocate for justice, utilizing his time in prison to study law. His pursuit of legal knowledge enabled him to file a Freedom of Information Act request that ultimately uncovered the evidence leading to his exoneration. The launch of this lawsuit comes at a time when other wrongful conviction cases in Detroit are drawing attention, highlighting ongoing issues within the criminal justice system.

The aim of Williams’ lawsuit is not only to seek compensation for his years lost but also to expose the failures in the justice system that contribute to wrongful convictions. His case serves as a reminder of the profound consequences of legal misjudgments and the enduring pain faced by those wrongfully convicted.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Michigan Woman Sentenced to Life for Husband’s Murder
Promise of Justice for Wrongfully Convicted Mario Willis in Detroit
Legal Troubles for Detroit Nonprofit Founded by Exonerated Man

Additional Resources

• Detroit News
• WXYZ
• ClickOnDetroit
• FOX 2 Detroit
• Wikipedia: Wrongful Conviction
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wrongful Conviction