An appeals court has overturned the conviction of a Black man after a Detroit federal judge said that he looked like a criminal, the Associated Press reports.
U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy III, who is white, said he grew frustrated in 2020 after Leron Liggins repeatedly switched between wanting to plead guilty and choosing a trial. Liggins also allegedly had trouble getting along with his second lawyer.
“I’m tired of this case. I’m tired of this defendant. I’m tired of getting the runaround. This has been going on since February 6, 2018,” Murphy said in court.“This guy looks like a criminal to me. This is what criminals do."
“This isn’t what innocent people who want a fair trial do," he continued. "He’s indicted in Kentucky. He’s indicted here. He’s alleged to be dealing heroin, which addicts, hurts and kills people, and he’s playing games with the court.”
On Thursday (August 3), the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tossed Liggins' heroin distribution conviction and his 10-year prison sentence, ordering a new trial with a different judge.
6th Circuit Judge Eric Clay said letting the conviction stand “would substantially undermine the public’s confidence in the judicial process." “Such remarks are wholly incompatible with the fair administration of justice,” the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said.
Prosecutors argued that Murphy's comment was referencing Liggins' conduct and not his appearance. In 2021, the judge apologized for his comment and said he could still fairly preside over Liggins' case.
“I lost my head,” Murphy said, noting that he regretted the comment.
The appeals court, however, said Murphy should've recused himself from the case as requested by Liggins' attorney.
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