(WXYZ) — Edward Khalil says after 7 years behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit, he’s not angry. Instead, he's grateful for his freedom and he just wants to share his story.
The case of Khalil is the 20th time the Specialized Conviction Integrity Unit in Wayne County has worked to free an innocent man. Khalil was convicted in a shooting death of a copper thief on Covington in Detroit in September 2011, but has always maintained his innocence.
As a man of faith, Khalil believes the system that failed him needs to be reformed, but says he's not angry with the law. He just wants the world to know this can happen to anyone in his case to a business owner with properties, restaurants and investments in the city of Detroit.
Khalil tells 7 Action News new evidence supported his original statement. He was not at the scene of the crime. He says he's grateful to a team led by attorney Valerie Newman, who helped to set him free and looks forward to restarting his life.
Khalil says he's planning to continue advocating for others and supporting the work of the conviction integrity unit.
