An Illinois Appellate Court panel opinion this week condemned police deception in interrogations not only for the risk of wrongful convictions, but for the breach of community trust. “I have never seen such a statement before in a court case,” one expert said.
In overturning a murder conviction, an Illinois Appellate Court panel warns police that using deception to win convictions undermines community trust in the police. The opinion also faults prosecutor and trial judge for their roles in a wrongful conviction.
Attorneys for convicted murderer say that prosecutor Michael Gerber engaged in “egregious conduct” that led to wrongful conviction based on thin evidence in Wheeling murder case. Gerber, now serving as judge by appointment, is a candidate for a full term on the bench in March.