Marcel Brown wins landmark case after wrongful conviction in 2008 murder
A Chicago federal jury has awarded $50 million to Marcel Brown, a man who spent 10 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. The jury’s decision came on Monday, marking a major victory in Brown’s fight for justice after being wrongfully convicted in 2011 for a 2008 shooting on Chicago’s west side.
Wrongful conviction and release
Brown, now in his early 30s, was convicted of the murder of 19-year-old Paris Jackson in 2011 and sentenced to 35 years in prison. At the time of the shooting in Galewood’s Amundsen Park, Brown was 18 and was charged as the getaway driver. He served 10 years behind bars before a court vacated his conviction in 2018, and all charges were dismissed by prosecutors.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting systemic issues within the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the legal system. Brown was released six years ago and has since sought justice for the wrongful conviction that took a decade of his life.
Lawsuit against the city of Chicago and CPD detectives
In addition to the $50 million in compensatory damages, Brown was awarded $50,000 in punitive damages. His lawsuit targeted the City of Chicago and two CPD detectives, accusing them of misconduct in the investigation.
According to the lawsuit, Brown’s confession was coerced during a grueling 30-hour interrogation, during which detectives allegedly threatened him. He was also denied legal counsel, phone calls to his family, and provided minimal food. The interrogation, which was recorded, became key evidence in proving Brown’s wrongful conviction.
Attorney’s statements and the impact of the verdict
Brown’s attorney, John Loevy, stated that Brown was simply at the park to pick up his sister when the shooting occurred. “He goes over to the park to pick up his sister, people start shooting, they accuse him of being an accomplice and he had nothing to do with it,” Loevy said.
Locke Bowman, another attorney with Loevy & Loevy, emphasized the broader implications of the jury’s decision. “This $50 million dollar verdict is a wake-up call to Mayor Johnson and Superintendent Snelling that it’s time to get a grip on the way CPD conducts its investigations,” Bowman said.
The case’s legacy
Brown’s release in 2018 marked the beginning of a long journey toward reclaiming his life and seeking accountability. His wrongful conviction and subsequent legal battle underscore ongoing concerns about police misconduct and the integrity of the criminal justice system in Chicago.
Brown’s case is one of many wrongful convictions that have plagued the CPD, sparking calls for reform. This historic verdict sends a powerful message about the importance of thorough, fair, and just investigations, as well as the consequences of failing to uphold those standards.