In a significant legal development, Devontae Sanford, a Detroit native wrongfully convicted of a quadruple murder at the age of 14, has reached a $7.5 million settlement with the city of Detroit. Sanford, who spent nearly nine years in prison for crimes he did not commit, now looks forward to rebuilding his life after enduring years of injustice at the hands of law enforcement.
The Wrongful Conviction
Devontae Sanford was only 14 years old when he was wrongfully accused and subsequently convicted of a quadruple homicide that occurred on Detroit’s east side in 2007. Sanford, who was intellectually disabled and easily manipulated, was coerced by Detroit police officers into confessing to the crimes. The officers targeted Sanford because of his vulnerability and fabricated evidence to ensure his conviction. Despite significant discrepancies between Sanford’s coerced confession and the actual evidence from the crime scene, he was sentenced to serve time in prison.
The Real Culprit Confesses
Just a few weeks after Sanford’s conviction, a breakthrough occurred when Vincent Smothers, a known hitman, was arrested and confessed to 12 murders for hire, including the four killings for which Sanford had been convicted. Unlike Sanford’s coerced confession, Smothers provided detailed and accurate descriptions of the murders, which aligned with the evidence found at the crime scene. Smothers’ confession was a crucial turning point that eventually led to a reexamination of Sanford’s case.
The Fight for Justice
The fight for Sanford’s freedom gained momentum when the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic, the State Appellate Defender’s Office, and the Northwestern Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth joined forces to reopen the investigation. Their efforts paid off in 2016, when Sanford was finally released from prison after nearly a decade of wrongful incarceration. The legal teams worked tirelessly to prove Sanford’s innocence, uncovering the misconduct by the Detroit police officers involved in his case.
Sanford’s Reflections and Future
Since his release, Sanford has had to grapple with the trauma of his wrongful conviction and the years he lost behind bars. Despite the immense challenges he has faced, Sanford remains optimistic about his future. He is grateful to Vincent Smothers, whose confession ultimately led to his release, and acknowledges that Smothers, not the police, protected him by telling the truth. Sanford’s reflections on his experience highlight the deep flaws within the criminal justice system and the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions.
Sanford now looks forward to a new chapter in his life. He is the father of a two-year-old son, whom he named after himself, and is determined to create a better future for his family. Sanford has also started a nonprofit organization focused on keeping kids off the streets, aiming to prevent others from experiencing the same hardships he endured. Additionally, Sanford has expressed an interest in becoming a content creator on YouTube, a platform where he hopes to share his story and connect with others.
Speaking Out for Justice
Sanford’s journey has led him to become an advocate for the wrongfully convicted. He is set to speak at the National Convention for the Innocence Network, a coalition of groups dedicated to freeing the innocent and preventing wrongful convictions around the world. Sanford’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of wrongful convictions and the need for systemic change within the criminal justice system.
Conclusion
Devontae Sanford’s $7.5 million settlement with the city of Detroit marks a significant step in his long journey toward justice. While no amount of money can compensate for the years he lost, Sanford is determined to move forward and make the most of the opportunities now available to him. His resilience and dedication to helping others demonstrate the strength of the human spirit, even in the face of profound adversity. As he continues to share his story, Sanford hopes to inspire change and prevent future injustices like the one he endured.
