Philadelphia Judge Throws Out Murder Conviction
In November, a Philadelphia judge threw out a murder conviction and sentence of a 34 year old man who has been in prison since 2008. The judge ruled that the arresting homicide detective fabricated evidence and provided prejudicial trial testimony.*
The homicide detective is James Pitts, who has been accused for years of coercing statements from witnesses and suspects in numerous lawsuits, court filings and internal affairs reports. According to news reports, the city had settled a lawsuit brought by a Philadelphia man who was acquitted of a double murder in 2013. The man alleged in the lawsuit that Pitts and his partner coerced him to confess to committing the murders. At trial, the defendant testified that he signed a false confession statement after a 24 hour interrogation session by Pitts and his partner. During the interrogation, the defendant also alleged that the detectives assaulted him.
Prior Police Corruption in Philadelphia
Corruption and scandal surrounding the Philadelphia Police Department is nothing new. In previous articles, we have discussed corruption in the Philadelphia Police Department, specifically police officers committing perjury and filing false reports.
For instance, in 2015, a veteran Philadelphia Police Officer, Christopher Hulmes, was charged with false swearing, perjury and other crimes. In addition other police officers lied on affidavits in order to obtain search warrants.
More: Police Corruption in Philadelphia – The Extent of the Problem (Recent Cases in 2015)
False Confessions
People may wonder why defendants give false confessions. False confessions are actually fairly common, especially in major felony cases like murder cases. Interrogations can last for hours and hours. Officers may use heavy handed tactics to wear down the individual. The only way out of the room is if the individual confesses.
Related: False Confessions in Pennsylvania Criminal Cases
Help from an Experienced Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer After an Arrest
If you or a loved one was arrested and charged with a crime, call David Nenner, an experienced criminal lawyer. Mr. Nenner strives to provide the best defense for his clients as he believes that defendants are innocent until proven guilty. Mr. Nenner, unlike other criminal lawyers, offers FREE initial consultations. 215.564.0644
Mr. Nenner, Esq. In the News
Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer Recently Spoke to Reporters About a Murder Case – On November 29, 2017, Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer and firm partner David Nenner spoke with reporters after a preliminary hearing in a recent highly publicized murder case.
*Source: www.philly.com (Philly judge tosses murder conviction, says detective fabricated evidence)