Case Dismissed Against Man Who Served Prison Time For Rape, Other Crimes
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Prosecutors have dismissed charges against a 36-year-old Detroit-area man who served nearly seven years in prison for rape and other crimes.
Wayne County Prosecutor's Office Spokeswoman Maria Miller said Friday there was "insufficient evidence to proceed with the case" against Donya Davis.
Davis was released on bond in June after his lawyers said DNA tests excluded him and pointed to another man in a 2006 attack on a woman. His lawyers say the only direct evidence against Davis was from the victim who identified him as the attacker.
Prosecutors agreed at the time that Davis' convictions for carjacking, armed robbery, first-degree criminal sexual conduct and gun charges should be erased, but another trial still was possible. That is, until the case was dismissed this week.
Davis is represented by Western Michigan University-Cooley Law School's Innocence Project. Director Marla Mitchell-Cichon says the Innocence Project is "grateful this long ordeal has finally ended."
While in prison, Davis earned his GED, completed a small business education program, and completed a commercial driver's license course. Davis became a serious student of the law and has earned credits toward a paralegal degree. He is currently working towards his culinary arts degree.
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