Chicago to settle 2 lawsuits for victims of police torture
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jan. 14, 2010: Michael Tillman talks with reporters after being released from prison in Chicago after serving nearly 23 years for a 1986 murder. (AP)
A Chicago City Council committee has signed off on settlements in two lawsuits filed by men who allege they were victims of police torture during the tenure of former Chicago Police Cmdr. Jon Burge.
The settlements totaling $7.17 million still need the full City Council's approval.
More than $5 million would go to Michael Tillman, who says officers tortured him for four days until he confessed to murder. He was exonerated after spending more than 23 years in prison.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Additionally, David Fauntleroy would get $1.8 million. He spent 25 years in prison after being charged in a 1983 double murder, but that case was dropped in 2009.
Burge was convicted in 2010 of lying about the torture of suspects and is serving 4 1/2 years in prison.