Hearing begins for brothers challenging 1987 murder verdict

DETROIT (AP) -- A hearing has begun for two brothers seeking to overturn their first-degree murder convictions for a 1987 drug house robbery and shotgun slaying in Detroit based on a new witness who says someone else committed the crime. A judge in Detroit convicted Thomas and Raymond Highers of first-degree murder in the June 1987 death of 65-year-old Robert Karey at his home near Detroit City Airport. On Monday, Wayne County Circuit Judge Lawrence Talon heard testimony from John Hielscher, who says he saw the attackers. Hielscher says he saw four or five young black men rush the house, then heard a gunshot. The Highers are white. Hielscher says he didn't come forward at the time out of fear. Prosecutors oppose reopening the case, and they're questioning Hielscher's testimony. Published: Wed, Mar 14, 2012