SEATTLE (AP) — A Washington state man exonerated of murder after serving more than 20 years in prison has sued King County, the city of Bothell and several deputies and police officers. The Seattle Times reported that 42-year-old Ian Simmers filed the lawsuit claiming authorities violated state and federal law during the 1995 investigation that Simmers said led to his wrongful conviction. Simmers is seeking unspecified compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. A King County Superior Court jury convicted Simmers in March 1996 of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of 35-year-old Rodney Gochanour. He served about 23 years before he was exonerated two years ago when new DNA evidence emerged.
Washington state man exonerated of murder files lawsuit
