© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Judge gives more time for evidence analysis in '81 homicide

Michigan Department of Corrections
Michael Darnell Harris

  LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A Lansing-area prosecutor says DNA results in a 1981 murder have "created questions about everything" related to the case.

  Gretchen Whitmer spoke to The Associated Press after a Friday court hearing in the case of Michael Darnell Harris. He's seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction thrown out after DNA tests on the victim's clothing point to another man who was 13 at the time.

  An Ingham County judge told both sides to return to court on Jan. 23. In the weeks ahead, more evidence will be analyzed. DNA tests weren't available in 1983 when Harris was convicted of killing a 77-year-old Lansing woman.

  Whitmer says she wants to "get it right" - for Harris, the victim's family and the public.

  Harris also is in prison for three other slayings.

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.