During the public-comment period, Evangelist Darlene and two other speakers urged Cleveland City Council to press for DNA testing that the Ohio Court of Appeals ordered in 2020 for Anthony Connor.

Evangelist Darlene said evidence presented at trial did not support the 2013 conviction, citing lack of gunshot residue, absence of blood or fingerprints and inconsistent eyewitness descriptions. She said the appeals court sent the case back and ordered DNA testing, but "four years later, the testing still has not been done." She asked council members to "use your voice and your platform to call for DNA testing" and to encourage the county prosecutor's office to review the case.

Vivian Connor, who identified herself as Anthony Connor’s mother, told the council her son has spent "over 13 years in prison" and again asked for help getting the ordered testing and a fair review. Alexis Mason of Garfield Heights echoed those requests and described lost family milestones.

Why it matters: The speakers say a higher court ordered testing that has not occurred; they asked the council to advocate for follow-up. The council did not record a substantive response during the meeting, though staff and the safety director were invited to receive case materials for review.

What happened next: The chair asked speakers to submit materials and suggested follow-up with the safety director; no formal motion or vote on the matter was recorded during this council session.