Ice-T is accustomed to playing Detective Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, but now he’s seeking justice in real life. In a video obtained by The Blast, Body Count’s de facto leader is lobbying for convicted murderer Leroy Evans, who stands accused of bludgeoning Pennsylvania woman Emily Leo to death in 1990.
Evans was implicated as an accomplice by a man who was also charged with the murder but has maintained his innocence over the past 39 years. Following the conviction, that same man has recanted his story about Evans’ involvement, but Evans remains behind bars.
The father of little Chanel — along with Evans’ legal team — wants authorities to at least test Evans’ DNA to definitively prove or disprove he was part of the murder.
“Come on DA, you know I’m not a real cop and I just play one on TV, but I think this man, after 39 years in prison, whatever the crime may be, deserves at least to get that DNA test so he can clear himself,” he said in the clip. “Leroy, you’re in there for 39, man, I can’t even imagine it. Alright? Good luck with this fight man, that’s all I can say.”
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Delaware County D.A. candidate Jack Stollsteimer told YC Daily, “After reviewing the evidence in this case I called on District Attorney Katayoun Copeland to agree to the defense request for DNA testing. I’m proud to stand with SVU Detective Tutuola as he joins Leroy Evans in his fight for justice.”
Evans’ defense attorney, Michael J. Malloy, believes the evidence collected at the scene clears his name.
“As I began to read the trial testimony, certain facts made no sense,” Malloy explained to YC Daily. “First of all, why was there no blood present at a brutal, bloody crime scene. This case is more than about justice.
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“This is a case about a kind, gentle man who holds no grudges against the person or people that have taken away his life for nearly 4o years. I don’t believe I can live with myself unless I fight this to the end.”
During the proceeding, Assistant District Attorney William Toal III argued the statute of limitations for Evans’ case has run out and no “new facts” would justify reopening the investigation.
Ice wants the district attorney to reconsider.
“You know that DNA has been clearing a lot of people,” he added. “I think everybody at least deserves a chance to use the new technology – 39 years ago, there wasn’t even DNA testing. I think it’s only right.”
