BREAKING NEWS – The Oppenheimer Firm exonerates 6 wrongly convicted of murder in 1987

Attorney Michael Oppenheimer helped free six men after police wrongfully convicted them in a 1987 murder case. The case involved the stabbing death of a Cook County official. Together, the men spent a total of 124 years in prison.

The men won exoneration after new DNA tests ruled them out as suspects. The tests also identified unknown DNA on the murder weapon.

Oppenheimer said no factual evidence ever linked the men to the crime. He showed that police forced confessions through threats, pressure and physical abuse. Prosecutors still used those confessions, despite having no physical evidence to support them.

This case joins many others that point to misconduct by former detectives Reynaldo Guevara and Ernest Halvorsen. Halvorsen reportedly steered the case away from an early suspect. Guevara conducted a long pattern of abuse. Courts have already overturned several convictions linked to him. This case became the first Guevara-linked exoneration backed by DNA evidence.

The Oppenheimer Firm continues to lead civil rights cases. These cases include wrongful convictions and police misconduct. The firm has won significant settlements. It secured $50 million for the Marquette Park Four and $40 million for the Dixmoor Five. Oppenheimer’s work continues to expose deep problems inside the Chicago Police Department.

The City of Chicago has paid nearly $100 million to settle cases connected to Guevara and Halvorsen. City leaders expect that number to grow. They estimate total payouts could reach $2 billion. As more victims speak out, people continue to call for police reform and stronger oversight.

Your civil rights law firm

The Oppenheimer Firm stands up for people hurt by police abuse, false imprisonment and civil rights violations. We have helped many people win justice. Our team has strong experience in wrongful conviction cases.

If you or someone you love has been wronged, call us at 312-757-2232 or email us here.