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Newsflash

Watch the most recent video segment on Detroit Local 4's Flashpoint. Watch Devin Scillian's interview with Eddie Allen, from the Detroit Metro Times and Investigator, Bill Proctor, as they bring to light an update on Mario’s case.
Detroit mother fights for son’s innocence in house fire where firefighter was killeD.
House fire took place on Nov. 15, 2008

It has been over 14 years since the Detroit Fire Department lost one of its shining stars, firefighter Walter Harris. He was killed fighting a fire that a jury determined to be arson. A man named Mario Willis is still in prison for that fire. But it’s a conviction that doesn’t add up to many, including his mother, Maxine.

Metro Times Logo Mario Willis
Please review THE LATEST coverAGE ON THE JUDICIAL COURT HEARING 
IN THE CASE OF MARIO WILLIS
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WITNESS ADMITS TO BRING 'PATHOLOGICAL LIAR' ABOUT DETROIT FIREFIGHTER'S DEATH.

Reported by: 

Eddie B. Allen, Jr.

DECEMBER 9, 2025
Willis Case1_edited_edited.jpg
EXPERT TESTIMONY CASTS DOUBT ON 2008 ARSON CASE THAT SENT DETROIT MAN TO PRISON.

Reported by:
Eddie B. Allen, Jr.

DECEMBER 12, 2025
Metro Times Logo Mario Willis
Please review PartS I, ii AND iii cover stoRIES ENTITLED
FIRE WALL:  THE CASE OF MARIO WILLIS

REPORTED BY EDDIE B. ALLEN, JR.
published by the Detroit Metro Times as a CONTINued investigation:
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HOW A DETROIT FIREFIGHTER'S DEATH MIGHT HAVE SENT AN INNOCENT MAN TO PRISON.

Fire wall: The case of Mario Willis (part I)
Reported by:  Eddie B. Allen, Jr.
WALTER HARRIS_edited.png

AFTER A DETROIT FIREFIGHTER DIED ON DUTY, PROSECUTORS LOOKED FOR SOMEONE TO BLAME. DID THEY GET IT ALL WRONG?

Fire wall: The case of Mario Willis (part II)
Reported by:  Eddie B. Allen, Jr.
cover-story-mario_willis_edited.jpg

DOVE TALES: CIU INTERVIEW CASTS DOUBT ON DETROIT FIREFIGHTER DEATH CONVICTION.

Fire wall: The case of Mario Willis (part III)
Reported by:  Eddie B. Allen, Jr.

THE CASE FOR INNOCENCE OF MARIO WILLIS

by Attorney Craig Daly:

Case for Innocence
Police Cars

VIEW HOW DETROIT POLICE WITHHELD AND MANIPULATED EVIDENCE TO SECURE CONVICTION

Summary of Expert Findings

SUMMARY OF EXPERT FINDINGS AND AFFIDAVITS

Glass Buildings

Mario didn’t have any experts on behalf of his defense for an independent review of information provided. The trial attorney’s misjudgment in counsel subsequently was detrimental to Mario’s defense. Please see the expert reports obtained after Mario’s conviction below:

FULL REPORTS BELOW

MEDICAL EXAMINER - EXPERT SUMMARY REPORT

Dr. Ljubisa Dragovic: 

Chief Pathologist for Oakland County

Read how the Wayne County Medical Examiner provided an incomplete examination report and why it’s opined by Dr. Dragovic that the statutory and professional obligation had not been met in the original investigation of the firefighter’s death.

INSURANCE - EXPERT SUMMARY REPORT

Kenneth M. Korotkin:

KIG Insurance Group

Read expert opinion of how evidence shows there was no home owners
insurance policy on property to benefit a fire loss claim payout.

FORENSIC CHEMIST - EXPERT SUMMARY REPORT

Dirk L. Hedglin, Forensic Chemist:

Forensic Consulting & Analytical, Inc.

Forensic Chemist, who reviewed all materials and wood samples concluded that
the physical evidence of the fire is consistent with the accidental fire scenario
told to Detroit Police by Darian Dove (co-defendant) at the beginning of their
investigation.

RECANTATION, AFFIDAVIT & CIVILIAN WITNESS AFFIDAVITS

Read Darian Dove’s recantation affidavit along with newly obtained civilian
witness affidavits in sup
port.

​

  • Darian Dove Affidavit

  • Valorie Williams Affidavit

  • Walter Collier Affidavit

  • Nikemo Burton Statement

Evidence and facts clearly show, Mario’s conviction was a rush to judgement and a grave miscarriage of justice.

TRUTH FACTS AND EVIDENCE MATTER…
SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!

Hearing Videos
COURT HEARING VIDEOS
View Mario Speaking before the Judge 2018 & 2021
Court House

Court Hearing Video 2018

Court

Court Hearing Video 2021

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The LORD sets prisoners free;
Psalms 146:7

News Cameras

This high profile case has received extensive media coverage also reporting on the many times this case has been sent back to the trial court.

Marble Surface

Court again overturns 41-year sentence in fireman’s death - AP News

February 5, 2018

Marble Surface

New Sentence ordered in case of Detroit firefighter’s 2008 death - Detroit Free Press

April 20, 2020

Marble Surface

Appeals court again overturns 41-year sentence in Detroit fireman’s death.

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Marvin Lee Willis II
1979 - 2023
A devoted "Big Brother" and advocate like no other for his little brother, Mario.
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Please read the story of Mr. Marvin Willis, Sr., the father of Mario Willis, published by the Detroit Free Press.

During times of light and darkness, music endures for Detroit musician and his family.

Work Desk

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