$8.5 million for Larry Smith
Larry Smith was 18 when he was convicted first-degree murder, based in part on the testimony of an informant. Now 48, he was released in 2021 after his life in prison without parole conviction was overturned.
Jarrett Adams was able to settled against the city because he believed “it's reasonable rather than sending Larry and his family through the trauma of going through trial. But it doesn't erase the damage that was done."
1994
The jury convicted Smith of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
2021
On February 4, 2021, there was a joint motion to vacate Smith’s conviction and to dismiss the case with the Wayne County Circuit Court and was granted.
During Smith's trial, the sole eyewitness who testified described the gait and body shape of a person who ran from the scene. No testimony established that Smith had a distinctive walk or build.
There also was no conclusive forensic evidence that linked Smith to the crime. A jailhouse informant testified that Smith had confessed to committing the slaying to him; the prosecutor's office said the informant's testimony was later discredited because it may have been "fabricated" to gain favors from police in his own case.