Perhaps most significantly, Carr wrote that he had spoken with the lead trial prosecutor at Johnson’s trial, who “expressed concerns about this case” and supported the request for a new trial.
According to court filings, the lead prosecutor, Jeff Wallace, had earlier told lawyers on both sides of the case that he had “grave doubts” about Johnson’s guilt.
Wallace also testified in Judge Pulliam’s court in 2014 that he did not think the case against Johnson was very strong because it was based only on Ellison’s word.
Carr noted that he sought to intervene in the case now because of his “duty to the Court and the people of Jefferson County,” recognizing that “a prosecutor’s duty is not merely to secure convictions, but to seek justice.”
“The Jefferson County Office of the District Attorney stood up for justice today,” said Ty Alper, one of Johnson’s attorneys.
