DETROIT — After spending 22 years behind bars, a man has been released from prison following the acknowledgment by Detroit-area prosecutors that his murder conviction was marred by the testimony of a corrupt police officer, who was revealed to be a serial bank robber.

Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy expressed her astonishment at the case, stating, “Not much shocks me anymore, but this did. I have never seen anything like this in all of my decades of being a judge or a prosecutor.”

LaVone Hill received a life sentence after being convicted in 2002 for the fatal shootings of two individuals. Initially, investigators had a written statement from a witness claiming to have observed the murders. However, during the trial, the witness retracted that statement, claiming he was coerced by law enforcement officials.

The jury was also presented with testimony from Detroit police Sgt. Walter Bates, who denied any coercion of the witness. The jury seemed to trust Bates and subsequently found Hill guilty. Worthy pointed out that neither the jurors nor Hill’s legal representation were informed that Bates was under suspension while giving evidence. Bates eventually faced federal charges and was convicted for orchestrating bank heists.

“I cannot state whether (Hill) is innocent or guilty in this case,” Worthy clarified. “What I can confirm is that the testimony of the former Sgt. Bates played a crucial role in securing a conviction against Mr. Hill. During the trial, no one — be it the assistant prosecutor, the defense counsel, or the judge — was aware of Bates’ extensive and ongoing criminal activities both before and during the trial.”

Bates did not comment when approached for a statement.

Hill, who has continually professed his innocence, was released from prison on Wednesday. The Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School, which represented him, uncovered significant issues related to the case. They revealed that the victims were shot with a rifle rather than a handgun, which contradicted the information presented to the jury.

“I wasn’t even present when this crime occurred,” Hill informed a judge. “I’ve spent nearly 23 years incarcerated due to the misconduct of the Detroit Police Department.”