Man Exonerated in Murder Case Accused of Another Killing

A man who served 32 years in prison for rape and murder before being exonerated by DNA evidence in 2012, faces new murder charges for the death of a man found stabbed and shot in a South Side alley last year.

Andre Davis, 52, of the 8200 block of South Eberhart Avenue, is charged with murder and kidnapping in connection with the death of 19-year-old Jamal Harmon on Oct. 7, 2013, authorities said. On Thursday, he was ordered held without bond.

According to media reports at the time, Davis served more than 30 years in prison for the August 1980 rape and murder of 3-year-old girl Brianna Stickle in downstate Rantoul.

DNA evidence overturned his conviction and he was released from prison in July 2012. Prosecutors did not retry him, claiming it would have been too hard to bring a 32-year-old case to trial.

About 15 months later, Harmon was at a party hosted by Davis’ nephew in the 6500 block of South Ross about 3 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2013, authorities said. Harmon and the nephew got into an argument outside of the home over money lost at a dice game during the party.

Davis’ nephew went back into the house, then came back outside with a handgun and shot Harmon, prosecutors allege. A witness said Harmon made sounds after he was shot, indicating he was still alive.

Davis and the witness carried Harmon to the trunk of a Cadillac, prosecutors said. Davis drove off with Harmon in the trunk, telling others he was going to find a spot to dump him.

Harmon’s body was discovered later that morning in an alley in the 7600 block of South Carpenter Street, prosecutors said. He had suffered three gunshot wounds to the face, lower neck and left armpit, and had been stabbed four times.

An autopsy found Harmon died of multiple stab and gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide, according to the medical examiner’s office.

The next day, Davis told someone he cut Harmon’s throat, prosecutors said.

Along with he 1980 murder conviction, Davis has also previously been charged with attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a weapon, and two counts of aggravated battery, according to court records. He currently faces two misdemeanor counts of DUI.