Andre Davis | Homicide Watch Chicago

Comment of the Day: "How can a person gain their freedom [then] not use their time out of incarceration to make their lives better?"

Michael Lansu — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 16:22:04 -0500

Andre Davis, 53, was charged with murder last week for his alleged role in the October 2013 murder of Jamal Harmon. Davis had spent 32 years in prison for murder and rape before being exonerated by DNA evidence in 2012. Reader Danita Johnson posted this about the case:

If this man is found guilty of this crime, this is such a disappointment. How can a person gain their freedom; then, not use their time out of incarceration to make their lives better? Life is really not that difficult to live. I know that he had to have received funding to get a better start in life other than getting caught up in a murder plan, plot and activity. I am seriously shaking my head at this. Condolences to the victim's family.

Derrick Hilliard charged with murder in 2013 death of Jamal Harmon

Michael Lansu — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 21:09:20 -0500

Derrick Hilliard / Photo from Chicago Police

A second man has been charged with murder in the killing of Jamal Harmon last October on the South Side, police said.

Derrick A. Hilliard, 37, was charged with one count each of first-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, police said.

Hilliard is accused of killing Harmon, 19, on Oct. 7, 2013, authorities. Andre Davis was also charged for the murder this week.

Davis had served 32 years in prison for an unrelated rape and murder before being exonerated by DNA evidence in 2012.

The night of the killing, Harmon attended an Oct. 7, 2013, party hosted by Davis’ nephew in the 6500 block of South Ross Avenue. During the party, Harmon and Davis’ nephew got into an argument outside the home over money lost at a dice game, Mack said.

Davis’ nephew went back inside the house, then came out with a handgun and shot Harmon, Mack said. A witness said Harmon, 19, survived the shooting and was “making sounds,” Mack said.

Davis and the witness then carried Harmon to the trunk of a Cadillac, Mack said, adding that Davis told others he was going to find a spot to dump Harmon and drove off.

Harmon’s body was discovered later that day in an alley in the 7600 block of South Carpenter Street, Mack said. He had been shot three times — in the face, lower neck and left armpit. He had also been stabbed four times, authorities said.

An autopsy confirmed Harmon, of the 6700 block of South Parnell Avenue, died of multiple stab and gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

The next day, Davis told someone he cut Harmon’s throat, Mack said.

Davis had previously been convicted of murder in 1980 for the August 1980 rape and murder of 3-year-old girl Brianna Stickle in downstate Rantoul. He spent more than 30 years in prison, but his conviction was overturned after new DNA evidence was found.

Andre Davis / Photo from Chicago Police

Prosecutors did not retry Davis, claiming it would have been too hard to bring a 32-year-old case to trial, and and he was released in July 2012.

Along with he 1980 murder conviction, Davis has also previously been charged with attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a weapon, and two counts of aggravated battery, according to court records. He currently faces two misdemeanor counts of DUI.

Hilliard, of the 8300 block of South King Drive, is expected in bond court Saturday. Davis will be back in court July 2.

— Contributing: AP

-- Sun-Times Media Wire

Andre Davis, 53, charged with murder in South Side shooting, stabbing death of Jamal Harmon

Michael Lansu — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 16:35:52 -0500

Andre Davis / Photo from Chicago Police

BY JORDAN OWEN
Sun-Times Media

A 53-year-old man who served 32 years in prison for murder and rape before being exonerated by DNA evidence in 2012 now faces new murder charges. Prosecutors accuse him of killing Jamal Harmon last year in a South Side alley.

Andre Davis was charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of felony kidnapping, police said. Davis, of the 8200 block of South Eberhart Avenue, was also wanted on two bond forfeiture warrants.

On Thursday, Davis appeared in court dressed in a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans to face the new murder chargers. Judge Adam Bourgeois ordered him held without bond.

Assistant State's Attorney Robert Mack said the events that led to the killing started when Harmon attended an Oct. 7, 2013, party hosted by Davis' nephew in the 6500 block of South Ross Avenue. During the party, Harmon and Davis' nephew got into an argument outside the home over money lost at a dice game, Mack said.

Davis’ nephew went back inside the house, then came out with a handgun and shot Harmon, Mack said. A witness said Harmon, 19, survived the shooting and was "making sounds," Mack said.

Davis and the witness then carried Harmon to the trunk of a Cadillac, Mack said, adding that Davis told others he was going to find a spot to dump Harmon and drove off.

Harmon’s body was discovered later that day in an alley in the 7600 block of South Carpenter Street, Mack said. He had been shot three times -- in the face, lower neck and left armpit. He had also been stabbed four times, authorities said.

The next day, Davis told someone he cut Harmon’s throat, Mack said.

Prosecutors did not retry Davis, claiming it would have been too hard to bring a 32-year-old case to trial, and and he was released in July 2012.

Davis will be back in court July 2.

-- Contributing: AP