Judge Recommends New Trial for Michael Newberry, Citing Withheld Evidence

Judge Gabriel's Findings

• ⚖️ Judge Lee Gabriel issued an order recommending a new trial for Michael Newberry, who was convicted in a 1997 capital murder trial.
• 📌 The judge concluded that former Cook County District Attorney Janelle Haverkamp withheld evidence during Newberry's trial.
• 💡 Gabriel stated that the suppressed evidence could have affected the jury's judgment, indicating that Newberry did not receive a fair trial.

Potential Outcomes and Next Steps

• 🚀 If the Court of Criminal Appeals agrees and orders a new trial, the current Cook County District Attorney has stated he will dismiss the charges against Newberry.
• 🔍 A separate district court judge will preside over a hearing to determine if Haverkamp will face criminal contempt charges for allegedly not turning over evidence.
• 🗣️ Haverkamp previously testified that she never willfully withheld anything she believed she was required to turn over.
• 📄 Newberry's attorney has filed a motion seeking his immediate release from prison.