Charges May be Dropped for Third Defendant in Murder of Chicago Officer Clifton Lewis

Background

Charges may be dropped Wednesday for the third and final defendant in the murder of a Chicago police officer in 2011. Alexander Villa will appear in court for a hearing in the murder of Clifton Lewis, who was off-duty and working a second job as a security guard at a convenience store in the Austin neighborhood when he was shot and killed during a robbery.

Conviction Under Scrutiny

Villa was sentenced to life in prison, but has since asked a judge to overturn his conviction. He claims that prosecutors hid evidence during trial that would have proven his innocence. The other two defendants, Edgardo Colon and Tyrone Clay, have already had their charges dropped and walked free last year.

New Developments

According to the Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office has notified Lewis’ family that they intend to no longer prosecute against Villa. The move comes after allegations of misconduct by prosecutors, including withholding evidence.

Evidence Issues

Catanzara said that the case is clouded by midconduct by prosecutors. "Apparently the basis for a lot of this is phone records that supposedly weren’t turned over to the defense that puts the defendant somewhere else at the time of the murder. The problem with that, from what I understand, is that the phone records from T-mobile are based on West Coast time not Chicago time. So when you’re saying the defendant was in Humboldt Park at the time, sure he was, two hours later," he said.

Next Steps

The Cook Country State’s Attorney’s office has not confirmed what kind of action they will be taking on Wednesday. Villa’s court hearing is scheduled for the same day.

Conclusion

The potential dropping of charges against Villa brings new attention to the case and raises questions about the integrity of the prosecution. As the investigation continues, the family of Officer Lewis will be seeking answers and justice for their loved one.

FAQs

• Who is Alexander Villa?
  • Alexander Villa is the third and final defendant in the murder of Chicago police officer Clifton Lewis in 2011.
• What are the allegations against Villa?
  • Villa claims that prosecutors hid evidence during trial that would have proven his innocence.
• What is the current status of the case?
  • Charges against Villa are expected to be dropped Wednesday, but the Cook Country State’s Attorney’s office has not confirmed the action.
• What is the Fraternal Order of Police saying about the case?
  • The organization is criticizing the prosecution, saying that misconduct by prosecutors has clouded the case.