Former Philadelphia homicide detective sentenced for forcing false murder confession, lying in court

James Pitts was accused of assaulting Obina Onyiah in 2010.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A former Philadelphia homicide detective has been sentenced to 32 to 64 months in prison for assaulting a suspect to obtain a confession and then lying about it in court.

James Pitts was accused of assaulting Obina Onyiah in 2010.

A former Philadelphia homicide detective has been sentenced to prison for assaulting a suspect to obtain a confession and then lying about it in court



It resulted in Onyiah confessing to the robbery and murder of William Glatz at a jewelry store, which he did not commit.

Pitts was found guilty of obstruction and perjury in July.
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