Man who served quarter century in prison is suing

IONIA, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan man who was freed in 2012 after serving 26 years behind bars in the arson deaths of his wife and two young daughters is suing police and prosecutors. David Gavitt's federal lawsuit against state fire marshal's investigators, Ionia police and Ionia County prosecutors was filed Monday. The lawsuit says the defendants conspired to create a false case against Gavitt, who now lives in Portage. Messages were left Tuesday with the Ionia public safety director and county prosecutor. A state police spokeswoman says the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation. Killed in the 1985 fire were Gavitt's wife, Angela, and his 3-year-old and 11-month-old daughters. Gavitt was hurt in the blaze, which authorities at the time said he set. Gavitt was freed after efforts by the Michigan Innocence Clinic. Published: Fri, Jun 06, 2014