DETROIT – A series of witnesses took the stand Monday in what became a dramatic first day of testimony in Mario Willis’ bid for freedom, challenging the credibility of the prosecution’s key witness in the 2008 Detroit firefighter death case.
The hearing marks the first time in over a decade that Willis’ defense team has been able to present new evidence.
Former investigator details crucial prison interview
A retired investigator provided compelling testimony about a lengthy 2013 prison interview with Darian Dove, the key witness whose testimony led to Willis’ conviction.
During the meeting, Dove reportedly made several significant statements contradicting his trial testimony.
“He was very consistent that it was an accident and that no one paid him to do it, and Mario had nothing to do with the 2008 fire,” the investigator testified.
She revealed that Dove claimed police “interrogated him repeatedly for four days” and “pressured” him after he initially told them the fire was accidental.
Dove reportedly told the investigator he was “proud” of the property and was “planning on moving into it,” giving him no reason to deliberately set the fire.
The defense also presented a sworn affidavit written by the investigator and signed by Dove in 2014, in which he stated: “Mario Willis did not have me set the fire... it was an accident.” The affidavit also included Dove’s claim that “detectives told me I would be forgiven if I said Mario set the fire.”
Former inmates corroborate accident claims
Two additional witnesses, both former inmates, testified about separate conversations with Dove that supported his later claims about the fire being accidental:
- Nikemo Berton testified that in May 2010, Dove admitted to him in prison that the fire was accidental. Berton provided a written statement documenting Dove’s confession that he “was getting high and accidentally started a fire.”
- Another former inmate, testified about similar conversations with Dove, though he later expressed skepticism about Dove’s varying accounts.
Key witness takes the stand:
In perhaps the most dramatic moment of the day, Darian Dove himself took the stand. His testimony was marked by frustration and combative exchanges with the defense attorney, as he frequently interrupted questioning and repeatedly stated he couldn’t remember details from “16 years ago.”
“That was 16 years ago... I can’t do this... he got all these private investigators coming at me,” Dove said during one of the exchanges.
The defense challenged his credibility by pointing to multiple instances where he allegedly lied under oath and an alleged pattern of lying to get out of trouble.
Next steps:
The hearing will resume on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., with Dove expected to face continued questioning about the events of the 2008 fire that claimed the life of Detroit firefighter Walter Harris.
Local 4 spoke to Willis’ mother last week. Click here to see the interview here.