Rape conviction voided; man freed in Michigan

Detroit

Walter Swift walked out of jail a free man Wednesday, 26 years after being convicted of a rape he says he did not commit.

As he walked into the arms of tearful family members and other supporters, Swift, 47, asked, "What is all this?"

Audrey Mills, who was 1 when her father was imprisoned, was thrilled to see Swift freed. "I've done so many things he wasn't there for," she said. "I found myself praying to God why."

Wayne County Circuit Judge Vera Massey-Jones vacated Swift's conviction after the Innocence Project argued his innocence and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said it would not retry him. The 11-year Innocence Project investigation was headed by lawyer Barry Scheck.

Nashville, Tenn.

Grammy winner's daughter, 5, dies

The 5-year-old daughter of Grammy-winning Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman was struck and killed Wednesday by a sport-utility vehicle driven by her brother, authorities said.

The girl, Maria, was hit in the driveway of the family's home by a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by her teenage brother, said Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

The brother, whose name and exact age weren't available, apparently did not see the girl, McPherson said. No charges are expected. "It looks like a tragic accident," she said.

Several family members witnessed the accident, which happened just south of Nashville. The girl died later at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, hospital spokeswoman Laurie Holloway said.

Chapman, 45, and his wife have promoted international adoption and have three daughters from China, including Maria. They have three biological children.

Also

Charge filed: Former police Sgt. Drew Peterson turned himself in Wednesday on a weapons charge unrelated to the high-profile disappearance of his wife. He was released after an adult son posted a bond.

Manson dig: A dig for clandestine graves at the Death Valley National Park, Calif., ranch used in 1969 as a hide-out by Charles Manson and his followers ended Wednesday, yielding no bodies.

Seattle Times news services