May 11, 2016

City Of Indianapolis Settles Wrongful Imprisonment Lawsuit

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Court records show that the city of Indianapolis has settled a lawsuit for $99,000 that was filed by a man who claims police used false evidence to imprison him.

Derrick Hazelwood filed the federal lawsuit last June, saying detectives with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department used testimony from a questionable witness and mischaracterized evidence to link him to the May 2012 killing of Wayne Keeylen.

The Indianapolis Star reports that court documents show a settlement was reached April 29. The documents say the city doesn't admit liability or wrongdoing under the settlement.

Hazelwood attorney Andrea Ciobanu declined comment on the settlement citing a confidentiality clause.

The murder charge against Hazelwood was dropped in January 2015 and Hazelwood's record has been expunged.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

Indianapolis City-County Councilor La Keisha Jackson is Indiana's newest state senator
Legislative leaders say 2024 session more substantive than planned, but much more to come in 2025
Economic Enhancement District for Mile Square will not be repealed