Man cleared of four Detroit murders is arrested in Waddell

WADDELL, Ariz. (KSAZ) - A man who served eight years in prison in Detroit for four murders he didn't commit has been arrested in Waddell.

Deputies booked Davontae Sanford on felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, in addition to endangerment. They say they got a report on Monday about an odor of marijuana coming from a home near Citrus and Olive.

According to investigators, Sanford, his brother and another man were spotted riding off on ATVs, with loaded black duffel bags. Detectives following the three to a desert area, where they say the men began shooting guns in the direction of where a park is. The bullets were reportedly ricocheting around children and young adults, and detectives were told people were running for their lives. The three were later taken into custody.

Investigators say they found two AR15's and ammunition at Sanford's home. Meanwhile, Sanford's attorney says the 25-year-old was shooting toward mountains and into the dirt.

Sanford was charged in 2007 with killing four people in Detroit. Sanford later pleaded guilty in 2008, when he was 15, and served time in prison until 2016, when he was released on "other grounds", after another man said he committed the killings.

Sanford said he felt desperate and poorly represented by his trial lawyer. According to a story published by FOX TV station WJBK in June 2016, a judge erased the guilty pleas, at the request of a Wayne County prosecutor.

The State of Michigan paid Sanford more than $400,000.

According to reports, Sanford moved to Arizona just a couple of days ago. Sanford is due back in court next week.

The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.