Danny Burton
Danny Burton from Detroit, Michigan, was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1987 and spent 32 years in prison.
Burton was 19 years old when he was convicted of murder in the death of Leonard Ruffin. The criminal case against Burton was built primarily upon witness statements, but key witnesses who testified at his trial later recanted – saying they were forced into giving false statements.
Police used threats, intimidation, and physical violence to pressure Burton into confessing to a crime he didn’t commit and to pressure Burton into signing a waiver of constitutional rights. Burton was sentenced to life in prison but in 2019 he was released from prison after his case was reviewed by the Wayne County Conviction Integrity Unit.
In April 2021 Burton’s sons filed a federal lawsuit against a Detroit Police officer and the city of Detroit.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“Each day I would feel the same way as the first time I got arrested, hoping that they would come and say well we know you’re innocent,” said Danny Burton.
“I’m just thankful that the truth finally came out, that people are not scared to tell the truth,” said Danny Burton.
CASE STATUS:
The initiative group has requested the clarification from US President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group believes it is important to fight against police brutality and, if necessary, will provide legal and financial assistance to the family of the victim.
Letter to Biden
Letter to Garland
