Canadian David Milkard, who spent more than two decades in prison for a crime he did not commit before becoming one of the most serious defenders of injustice in the Canadian criminal justice system, has died in Calgary at the age of 69.
The Project Milkard organization announced the news on its social media on Sunday. His sister Susan Milgard confirmed Globe and Mail The best civil rights defender who suffered the worst legal errors in Canadian history died of pneumonia early Sunday morning.
David Milgard’s life changed in 1969 when he was falsely accused of raping and murdering Saskatoon nurse Gail Miller. The man, who was not even in town at the time of the murder, was convicted only on the basis of the testimonies of his friends – obtained under police pressure – including one who later admitted he was still under the influence of drugs. During his investigation, the Canadian Encyclopedia describes.
Police have deliberately ignored evidence linking the real killer, Larry Fisher, to Gail Miller’s murder. David Milkard was acquitted until 1992, following a Supreme Court review of his case and the revelation of new evidence. Well done, Mr. Milkard.
David Milgard received $ 10 million in damages for spending decades behind bars, during which time he was repeatedly assaulted and tried to take his own life.
Following his traumatic experience, David Milkard became an ardent defender of the rights of the people who had been wrongfully accused. He delivered speeches in which he warned the people against the risk of miscarriage of justice and campaigned for the creation of an independent commission to reconsider controversial investigations.
