DETROIT – The long and intriguing case of Darrell Ewing took another expected turn as a judge dismissed the murder case against him 14 years after the murder happened in Detroit.
At first, a jury convicted Ewing and another man, but a juror improperly used internet searches to learn more about gang activity. Three appeals courts have ordered new trials since 2017, and on Monday (March 25), a judge dropped the case, meaning Ewing can expect to be released from the Wayne County jail.
Ewing’s family has spent the day circling the Wayne County jail, awaiting his release. He has yet to make it out, but they are enthusiastic that he could be out as early as Monday night.
“The thing is, and respectfully, I just learned that you just come out of the prosecutor’s office a couple of months ago and that you’re friends with Kym Worthy and that you’re friends with John Rachuli,” said Ewing. “How are you even on my case? That’s actual bias.”
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You might think that would give a judge pause, but it didn’t. Nearly four months later, Cox dismissed the murder case against Ewing without prejudice, which means prosecutors can bring it again at some future date if they want to.
But Ewing’s family said things stand now; he’s about to get released from the Wayne County jail and, in their minds, wrongfully accused.
“It still hasn’t sunk in, but thank you, Jesus,” said his mother Lasonya Dodson.
“We’ve been coming down to pick him up every time, and then it goes to the Supreme Court, and then it goes to another court, and you got to go back down to this court,” Dodson said. “So the system is so hard to pick us up and let us down. It’s going to take a minute to really sink in.”
Darrell’s father, Rick Ewing, held up paperwork showing he was due for release.
“Now my friends and family can stop asking me, ‘When is he coming? When is he coming,’” said Rick.
Minutes later, Darrell called his family, who was gathered outside the jail.
“My uncles, family members, and friends have passed; it’s time, but through it all, I’m grateful. I have no regrets. God is good, and he has prepared me for a purpose,” Darrell said.
The murder in the case occurred in December 2009, right before New Year’s Day, on Harper and Van Dyke avenue’s when the victim J.B. Watson was shot at a red light.
Darrell was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The other man, Derico Searcy, who was convicted of second-degree murder, is likely to be released as well.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s Office is looking to appeal the dropping of the case, but they still have the option to bring a case if they feel like they have one in the future.
