© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Man Released In Boyhood Memory Case Sues Detroit Police

Detroit police
Reginald Hardwick
/
WKAR-MSU

One of two Detroit men who were imprisoned for nearly 20 years has filed a federal lawsuit seeking $100 million saying Detroit police framed them in a 1999 slaying.

The Detroit News reports Justly Johnson's lawsuit Tuesday says two police sergeants coerced two teenagers into falsely implicating him and Kendrick Scott.

Police say they can't comment on pending litigation.

Prosecutors in November dropped murder charges against them, four months after the Michigan Supreme Court said the men deserved another trial based on the boyhood memory of a man who witnessed his mother's slaying.

Lisa Kindred was shot in a van on Mother's Day in 1999. Charmous Skinner Jr. was 8 years old and also in the vehicle. His recollection of the shooter was different than the evidence offered at trial.

WKAR has closed the gap left by the loss of federal funding. Because of you, trusted journalism, inspiring stories, and classical music remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan.
Now the work continues — your monthly gift helps maintain this success and keeps public media free for all.