Detroit police have failed to follow through on a promise to investigate a retired homicide detective accused of misconduct that led to false confessions and wrongful convictions, the latest frustration for exonerated men demanding accountability.
In September 2024, Deputy Chief Charles Fitzgerald told the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners that the department would investigate retired Detective Barbara Simon if allegations against her were brought forward.
Days later, Mark Craighead, who was exonerated after spending more than seven years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, filed a criminal complaint with DPD accusing Simon of perjury, assault, unlawful detention, falsifying confessions, and engaging in a pattern of misconduct…