33 Years for a Forced Confession

Chicago Police Corruption was out of control in the 1980s. Torture victim released after being imprisoned 33 years for double murder

In 2013, the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission found “sufficient evidence of [Robert Smith’s] torture” to conclude his claim was credible.

His real crime was disrespecting their authority. He forced his way in, where they didn't want him to be.

And the officer in charge was a protege of Jon Burge, now famous for torturing confessions out of "suspects." (Or random black guys off the street.)

In 1990, Smith was convicted of the double murder, despite evidence proving he had no involvement, and the Circuit Court refused to suppress his confession, his attorneys said.

For many years, Smith represented himself filing several post-conviction petitions, and in 2013 the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission granted him relief, finding that “there is sufficient evidence of [Robert Smith’s] torture to conclude that his Claim is credible and merits judicial review for appropriate relief.”

The Midnight Crew from Area 2: The gift that keeps on giving.