Conviction erased in fire that killed 5 kids in Michigan

A judge in suburban Detroit threw out the murder conviction of a man who was blamed for a fire that killed five children in 2000.

Juwan Deering will remain in custody while a new prosecutor decides whether he should face a second trial. Deering has served 15 years of a life sentence.

Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald says the investigation and trial were marred by misconduct.

McDonald says critical evidence that would have cast doubt on the case was not shared with Deering’s lawyer before the 2006 trial. The prosecutor says, "Everyone is entitled to due process."

Deering was convicted in 2006 of murder in the deaths in the house fire in Royal Oak Township. Authorities at the time said the fire was revenge for drug debts, though Deering repeatedly declared his innocence.

McDonald first announced plans to drop the conviction in August.