Longtime defense attorney Cliff Woodards dies in crash with police SUV
The Detroit News
Detroit A defense attorney killed early Monday after a crash with a Detroit police SUV was a colorful character, steeped in the law and attached to the city. He could bring joy to a courtroom with his arguments and colorful attire, said Lillian Diallo, partner at the Legal Warriors law firm in Detroit and vice president of the Wayne County Bar Association, of Cliff Woodards II.
Police Chief James Craig said his department s Fatal Squad will investigate the collision. The probe will be reviewed by the Wayne County Prosecutor s Office, which could result in consideration of criminal charges, he said.
“I felt a sense of joy… I always felt the sentence was excessive.” - Rev. Kenneth Flowers, Greater New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
Last week, on his way out of the White House, President Trump commuted the 28-year sentence of the former Detroit mayor. In the days following the announcement, which came down last Wednesday, there has been a big debate around Kilpatrick’s legacy and whether or not he deserves the commutation.
Listen: Stephen Henderson and guests discuss Kwame Kilpatrick’s release and legacy
Guests
Karen Dumas is a communications consultant who served as director of community relations for Kwame Kilpatrick during his time as mayor. She wrote an op-ed in the Detroit News titled “What Kwame Kilpatrick’s commutation means for Detroiters.” She says the commutation was “fair.”