News Summary
Tensions are escalating in Orleans Parish as District Attorney Jason Williams denies claims by Attorney General Liz Murrill of a conflict of interest in Calvin Duncan’s exoneration. Murrill alleges that Williams’ prior representation of Duncan necessitated his recusal from the case, a claim Williams refutes. Duncan, who was wrongfully convicted and is now running for Criminal Clerk of Court, argues he was exonerated in 2021. The disputes raise serious questions about the integrity of the justice system in New Orleans as both parties navigate their ongoing legal and political battles.
New Orleans – Tensions are rising in Orleans Parish as District Attorney Jason Williams vehemently denies allegations from Attorney General Liz Murrill, who claims that he had a conflict of interest in the exoneration of Calvin Duncan. Murrill asserts that Williams and his staff should have recused themselves from Duncan’s case due to their previous representation of him, a claim that Williams strongly refutes.
Calvin Duncan, who was wrongfully convicted of murder in the 1980s and imprisoned for 28 years, is currently running for Orleans Parish Criminal Clerk of Court. His conviction was vacated in 2021 by Judge Nandi Campbell after new evidence emerged, which he and his supporters contend constitutes exoneration. Murrill, however, disputes this characterization, calling Duncan’s claim of exoneration an “inaccurate statement” and expressing concerns regarding possible abuses within the justice system.
Murrill alleges that Williams represented Duncan in the early 2000s and collaborated with Emily Maw from The Innocence Project, leading to a potential conflict of interest in their involvement with the exoneration process. In contrast, Williams states that he never represented Duncan at any point in his legal career, labeling Murrill’s assertions as “reckless” and “patently false.” He argues that such statements undermine public trust in the criminal justice system.
Williams and Duncan’s campaign team maintain that there was no attorney-client relationship between Duncan and Williams, dismissing Murrill’s characterizations as lacking factual basis and professional courtesy. Murrill countered that her office had previously filed an opposition to Duncan’s wrongful conviction lawsuit, thereby affirming their belief in potential conflicts of interest involving those who took part in his exoneration.
In addition to the mounting tensions surrounding Duncan’s exoneration, Williams has recently withdrawn from a separate investigation regarding an inmate escape from the Orleans Justice Center. This decision follows a request from Sheriff Susan Hutson, who cited conflicts of interest and expressed concerns that Williams’ political campaigning might be influencing his actions. Williams attributes his withdrawal to jurisdictional reasons rather than personal animosity, stating that it is prudent to maintain the integrity of the investigation.
The inmate escape raised further issues, prompting criticism toward Sheriff Hutson’s management of the facility. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape is ongoing, as both sides address differing perspectives on the appropriateness of Williams’ involvement. In the meantime, Duncan’s campaign is gaining traction as he challenges incumbent clerk Darren Lombard for the position of Orleans Parish Criminal Clerk of Court.
As discussions surrounding Duncan’s exoneration continue to unfold, Murrill has been analyzing over 130 cases previously vacated by Williams’ office, raising questions about the legal foundations for relief granted in those situations. The discourse around these allegations paints a complex picture of the dynamics between local law enforcement and legal entities, with many stakeholders closely watching how the situation evolves.
The ongoing conflict between Williams and Murrill not only impacts the immediate parties involved but also influences perceptions of the justice system in Orleans Parish. As both Duncan and Williams navigate their respective campaigns and legal battles, the implications of these developments will likely resonate within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NOLA: Sheriff Accuses DA of Misleading Public
- WWLTV: Sheriff Hutson Responses to DA
- Fox 8 Live: Sheriff Asks Judge to Recuse DA Williams
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
