1979 Murder Case May Be Reopened In Convict's Favor
DETROIT (AP) - In an unusual case, a federal judge is recommending that a convicted killer from Wayne County be allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge after nearly 35 years in prison.
Samuel Ambrose claims his rights were violated because his lawyer back in 1979 didn't tell him about a plea deal that could have limited his prison sentence to 15 years instead of life with no chance for parole. He was 18 years old when a man died during a fight outside a Detroit bar. Ambrose claimed self-defense.
Ambrose's appeal has been a challenge because so many years have passed. His attorney as well as the judge and prosecutor are dead.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Binder says Ambrose's case should be reopened. Prosecutors have 14 days to object.
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