A Detroit man was released from state prison after nearly spending more than three decades inside for a murder he didn't commit. For Darrell Siggers, being out after nearly 35 years is a dream come true.
"I couldn't believe it," he said. "I'd always had faith in the system and believed it would work.
In 1984, Siggers was arrested, charged, and locked up for a murder near Chalmers and Mack. He always maintained he was innocent.
"Guy came out and started firing a weapon. He killed James Montgomery," Siggers said.
During his time in prison, Siggers' attorney tells us he spent his time avoiding problems.
"You have choices in prison," Attorney Wolf Mueller said. "Darrell spent his time in the law library getting educated."
Mueller is now representing Siggers. He said years of appeals led to new evidence brought forward and witnesses being discredited.
"Here’s a guy laser-focused on getting himself out, understanding the system and writing his own legal briefs. This is an incredible person," Mueller said.
Through it all, Siggers said he is no longer bitter. Inf act, he said he wants to help others facing legal battles. After being released last Friday, he's also grateful to Attorney Mike Waldo and others who never gave up.
Although Siggers has a new trial scheduled for December, his attorney says it's likely it’ll be thrown out. He is also entitled to $2 million for his time served behind bars.
