Judge delays ruling on wrongful conviction case involving disgraced ex-CPD detective

CHICAGO (WGN) — A man fighting his alleged wrongful conviction must wait a few more days to learn if a Cook County judge will clear his name.

Attorneys for Tyrece Williams, who spent 20 years in prison, allege disgraced ex-Chicago police detective Reynaldo Guevara framed him. But the judge said Monday that she would need more time to review the case files, postponing her decision until next month

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The Chicago Tribune reports that if the judge rules in Williams’ favor, the now-57-year-old would become the 50th person to have an overturned murder conviction in a case investigated by Guevara.

The city has paid more than $100 million to defend, investigate, and settle misconduct claims involving Guevara, who allegedly falsified evidence to frame defendants.

Despite the delay, Josh Tepfer, an attorney for Williams, says he remains optimistic.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and it’s important to give the judge the time they need,” Tepfer said. “These are important cases. It’s certainly hard on the clients and their families but its part of the job to assure them this is part of the process and it happens.”

The judge set a new ruling date for Tuesday, March 4.