Judge gives time for evidence analysis in 1981 homicide

LANSING (AP) — A Lansing-area prosecutor says DNA results in a 1981 murder have “created questions about everything” related to the case.

Gretchen Whitmer spoke to The Associated Press after court hearing last Friday in the case of Michael Darnell Harris. He’s seeking to have his second-degree murder conviction thrown out after DNA tests on the victim’s clothing point to another man who was 13 at the time.

An Ingham County judge told both sides to return to court on Jan. 23. In the weeks ahead, more evidence will be analyzed. DNA tests weren’t available in 1983 when Harris was convicted of killing a 77-year-old Lansing woman.

Whitmer says she wants to “get it right” — for Harris, the victim’s family and the public. Harris also is in prison for three other slayings.