Wrongfully Convicted Men File Lawsuit

ECORSE, Mich. - They spent eight years locked up in prison for a crime they did not commit. Now, two men who had their convictions overturned have filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the city of Ecorse.

It was a joyous celebration back in 2009 after DeShawn and Marvin Reed were released from prison. The two innocent men were wrongfully convicted in an shooting in Ecorse that left the victim paralyzed.

"I can't even explain to you what I've been through," said Marvin Reed.

"Marvin (and I)... didn't get (a) call from... the head prosecutor, Kym Worthy, (or anybody) saying sorry. Just sorry would have (done) so much," said DeShawn Reed. "We haven't received a call from (anybody). Just got kicked out the door to society... Just took eight years out of life like it was just nothing."

The University of Michigan's Innocence Project dug up the truth, and it turns out the real shooter was killed in a carjacking. Now, nearly a year after their release, both men are still struggling to start over.

"Taking it one day at a time trying to get my life back together," Marvin Reed said.

"I can't harbor too much anger... because I've got to go forward with my life and take care of my kids... So, I try not to even think about it," DeShawn Reed said. "I just hope that... this won't happen to (anybody) else."

The Reeds have now filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the city of Ecorse and the four police officers involved in their case, saying key evidence was withheld that would have proven they were innocent.

The men still wonder why and how this happened to them. Their attorney says it happens too often.

"What you have is folks who can't afford the kind of lawyers and experts it takes to beat a murder charge, and so this happens more often (than) people think," said attorney Wolf Mueller.

Both men say they hope the lawsuit will help them get back on their feet. DeShawn is raising four children. His uncle, Marvin, is just trying to pick up the pieces and move forward.