Justices might reinstate conviction in '83 cold case

HIGHLAND PARK (AP) - The Michigan Supreme Court is looking at the murder conviction of a man who was brought to trial about 30 years after a fatal stabbing in Highland Park.

The Wayne County prosecutor wants the court to reinstate the conviction of William Lyles Jr.

The court last week said it would hear arguments about whether to accept the case or take other action. Lyles was accused of stabbing Andrew Weathers in Highland Park back in 1983, but he wasn't charged until 2012.

The appeals court threw out the conviction, saying Lyles didn't get a fair trial because the judge failed to tell jurors that they could consider evidence of his peaceful character. The appeals court said it was "crucial to his defense."

The 64-year-old Lyles is serving a life sentence.

Published: Tue, Oct 11, 2016