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Michigan judge overturns man's murder conviction after learning juror made racist statements

4 jurors heard comments

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A man convicted of first-degree murder in connection with a 2013 shooting had his conviction overturned after it was discovered a juror made racist statements.

Terry Lamont Wilson fatally shot his friend, William Clark, at a Clinton Township park. Wilson argued that the shooting was self-defense.

His appellate attorney, Wade Fink, said his team decided to interview jurors from the trial and discovered a juror had said racist comments.

"It wasn't just one juror who heard these racist statements, it was four," Fink said. "One woman heard the N-word being used."

Judge Jennifer Faunce issued a 35-page opinion Tuesday, saying Wilson didn't get a fair trial.

If the prosecutor doesn't appeal the ruling, another first-degree murder trial will be held.


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Jason Colthorp headshot

Jason is Local 4’s utility infielder. In addition to anchoring the morning newscast, he often reports on a variety of stories from the tragic, like the shootings at Michigan State, to the off-beat, like great gas station food.

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