Illinois man finally exonerated after spending more than 30 years in prison for murder he didn’t commit
An Illinois man who spent more than 30 years on death row for a murder he never committed was finally cleared this month, just in time to enjoy a Thanksgiving that feels genuinely his.
Danny Davis, who was 20 years old in 1992, was forced into a guilty plea for the stabbing death of Mildred Smith in Cairo, Illinois. The evidence tying him to the crime was nonexistent—no forensic link, no eyewitnesses, nothing credible.
The case began when detectives brought Danny and his 17‑year‑old brother Isaac to the station after an unfounded tip. They were subjected to hours of intimidation, including threats that the jurors could push Danny toward a life sentence or death penalty if he did not cooperate.
According to Danny’s attorney, Lauren Myerscough‑Mueller, the police told the brothers that “If you go to trial, Danny will get the death penalty, and he will die.”
This pressure ultimately forced Danny into pleading guilty. Myerscough‑Mueller later noted that “Nothing else to tie them” – no evidence linked either brother to the crime.
Their co‑accused, DeVoe Johnson, claimed a separate confession but was found not guilty after a judge determined the statements were not believable.
Danny, however, was sentenced to life in prison without parole. His legal team fought on, with later help from organizations such as the Innocence Project and the Exoneration Project.
In 2018, investigators tested fingernail clippings from the victim’s apartment. Male DNA was recovered, but it did not match Danny or Isaac. The search for the real killer continued for years, but eventually the charges were vacated.
Danny was released last November. A retrial had been scheduled for December, but the prosecutorial side abruptly dropped the case earlier this month, leaving Danny’s full exoneration to settle.
“I knew we would be here at this point one day,” Danny told the press. “I didn’t know how long it would take. It’s a blessing that I don’t have to go through that again.”
On Monday, he marked the occasion at Michael Jordan’s Steak House in Chicago. Jordan, Danny’s favorite NBA star, has been a source of inspiration while Danny was incarcerated. Danny, now 53, is ready to reclaim simple pleasures, especially holidays, for the first time as a free man.
He told reporters, “At one point, I just said all holidays are out, and focused on what needs to be done for me to get out.”
Isaac had been released earlier, although details surrounding his sentence and time served remain vague. Danny stands poised to celebrate his first Thanksgiving as a truly free man this Thursday, a moment full of gratitude and renewal.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
