|
|
| Chicago Death Row Deals Being Discussed |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 10/01/2001 |
|
Prosecutors are discussing deals with death row inmates who could be freed if they plead guilty and drop claims that police tortured them into confessions, a newspaper reported Thursday. The deals would settle the inmates' long-standing claims that Chicago Police Cmdr. Jon Burge and his detectives tortured them, the Chicago Tribune said, citing anonymous sources. Four inmates have received offers from the Cook County state's attorney or discussed plea agreements, the newspaper reported. One lawyer involved in the negotiations said prosecutors have 'talked about talking' with other inmates. John Gorman, spokesman for State's Attorney Richard Devine, confirmed the office is involved in negotiations, but declined further comment. He said the office does not discuss ongoing plea negotiations. For nearly a decade, inmates have requested new trials because of alleged torture by Burge and his detectives. Prosecutors have declined, pointing to a lack of evidence. But last year the Illinois Supreme Court granted three inmates new hearings, and a federal judge granted a hearing to a fourth inmate. 'It is now common knowledge that in the early- to mid-1980s, Chicago Police Cmdr. Jon Burge and many officers working under him regularly engaged in the physical abuse and torture of prisoners to extract confessions,' U.S. District Judge Milton Shadur wrote. In January, county prosecutors struck a deal with convicted murderer Darrell Cannon calling for his release in 2003 in exchange for dropping his claim. The Chicago Police Board fired Burge in 1993 for his role in the torture of a suspect being questioned in the murders of two police officers. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think