Raymond Gray was released from the Muskegon Correctional Facility on Tuesday, after serving more than 48 years for a murder he always insisted he didn’t
Detroit man walks free after fighting murder conviction for 48 years
Man convicted of first-degree murder stemming from 1973 robbery
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Detroit man walks free after fighting murder conviction for 48 years
DETROIT – A man who spent close to 50 years in prison for a crime is finally walking away free. Ray Gray says he never committed the crime.
It was 1973 when Gray last tasted freedom. Richard Nixon was in office, the Vietnam War officially came to an end and the Elvis Aloha from Hawaii concert was seen on screens around the world.
Since then Gray and his family have fought to clear him of the murder. He’s finally a free man.
click to enlarge Ray Gray walks out of prison a free man after 48 years behind bars. “It’s one of the happiest days of my life,” Gray said. “I feel blessed and grateful for the people who made this happen people of all races. Justice is often not only blind, but deaf, and you have to continue to touch it. People touched it and kept touching it, and now we’re here. … This time the system worked.” Ray and Barbara, who were married in a Saugatuck prison in 1985, shared a tearful embrace with their family Tuesday afternoon in the shadow of the penitentiary.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig retires
James White named as interim chief
James Craig
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DETROIT On May 10, Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced his plans to retire from the Detroit Police Department as of June 1. Former Assistant Chief James White was named interim chief by Mayor Mike Duggan May 17.
“The level of talent within DPD, and that has come through DPD, is extraordinary and each of the individuals I met with are deeply respected and would make outstanding interim chiefs,” Duggan said on the city’s website. “However, James White has the depth and breadth of experience that I feel have prepared him to lead this department forward. He has my full support as well as the full support of every member of City Council and Board of Police Commissioners.”
Medics arrived at the home later and determined she died of strangulation.
Police took Akel into custody at the home.
At the time of his arrest, Akel was on probation for assaulting Field, officials said Thursday. He was arrested on charges connected to that attack in November 2020.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor s Office, Akel was charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm, a 10-year felony, and domestic violence, a misdemeanor.
On March 16, he pleaded guilty to attempted assault with intent to do great bodily harm and the misdemeanor was dismissed.
Akel remained in custody from November 2020 until April 7, 2021, his sentence hearing. A judge sentenced him to three years probation and gave him credit for serving 157 days in the county jail.