Jury deliberation underway in trial for two Cleveland men who say they were convicted of crime they didn’t commit

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Kenny Phillips and Michael Sutton are on pins and needles.

The Cleveland males are hoping a jury finds them not responsible after 16 years.

“We’re asking you to finish this after 16 years and return not responsible verdicts,” mentioned Justin Herdman, Michael Sutton’s lawyer.

The duo was convicted again in 2007 for a drive-by taking pictures in Cleveland that severely injured two males.

As 19 Information has instructed you extensively for years, Phillips and Sutton have maintained their innocence.

Final yr, a choose overturned their convictions as a result of it was decided prosecutors didn’t disclose proof of their first trial.

“No gun, no shell casings, no motive proof,” mentioned Herdman.

That is Phillips and Sutton’s second likelihood at freedom.

Their re-trial wrapped up on Monday.

Their legal professionals arguing that the police received the incorrect guys and didn’t do a radical investigation.

“It additionally extends to Carl Hartman, he’s the detective who detected nothing on this case. He by no means discovered a gun, shell casings, he by no means discovered a witness,” mentioned Herdman.

Again in 2007 and even in the present day, prosecutors relied closely on the phrase of a Cleveland police officer named Daniel Lentz who says he noticed Phillips and Sutton shoot the victims.

Sutton and Phillips’ legal professionals say Lentz wasn’t credible in 2007 and isn’t credible now.”

“He’s prepared to brighten his testimony beneath oath,” mentioned Herdman. “Self admitted embellishment.”

Now, for second time in 15 years, it’s as much as a jury to determine the destiny of Michael Sutton and Kenny Phillips.

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