Category Archives: exoneration
Another exoneration from a bitemark conviction is pending. Court hearing next week.
John Kunco in Pennsylvania has local and Innocence Project attorneys arguing for his release on May 23. His possible exoneration could bring the number of men released from false science testimony of bitemarkers to 31 cases. http://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/13657991-74/lawyers-say-new-dna-evidence-proves-john-kunco-innocent-of-new-kensington Backstory on Kunco.
Another bitemark conviction vacated due to DNA and dentist recant.
The number of bm aided cases overturned by DNA approaching 30 in the US.
Forensics: This is not anecdotal evidence – Race and Innocence – and an apathetic DOJ
Media statements say that Sessions and his USDOJ does not read its own reports. And he admits it. Tell them that the following is not /anəkˈdōdl/ (not necessarily true or reliable; without facts or research). Here is his USDOJ address https://www.justice.gov/doj/webform/your-message-department-justice … Continue reading
2016 Top Ten Forensic Science Posts
The year’s most read posts from Forensics in Focus. Happy New Year. What is a partial forensic DNA “match”? Obstinate DA pursues new trial in William Richards’ case. PCAST: Forensic science reform gets knee-jerk backlash from law enforcement. Top 9 … Continue reading
‘Vindictive Prosecution’ hangs over DA reluctant to not recharge Bill Richards
Today’s article from Jordan Smith at The Intercept provides history and new developments to Bill Richards’ 23 year journey from a murder conviction to freedom despite District Attorney Mike Ramos unerringly “stupid” threats of re-investigating Richards for the murder of … Continue reading
Retribution in criminal justice reform
“In (the) battle over Nebraska’s death penalty, victims’ families refuse to be political pawns” by @lilianasegura at The Intercept. This parallels California’s upcoming vote to abolish the death penalty. There probably will also be a pro-death penalty measure on the … Continue reading
The Mississippi Sting operation that uncovered Michael West’s bitemark bunk
One of the extraordinary defense presentations at the recent EL Howard hearing in Columbus MS was given by the Honorable Chris Plourd (pictured above), the presiding Judge of Imperial County, CA Superior Court. Judge Plourd rose to the bench in … Continue reading
Posted in AAFS, ABFO, Bitemarks, costs of wrongful convictions, Crime lab scandal, Dr. Michael West, exoneration, Ray Krone bitemark case, wrongful convictions
Tagged American Academy of Forensic Science, AMERICAN BOARD OF FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY, Bad forensic science, forensic examiner error, Forensic science, junk forensic science, wrongful convictions
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Forensics: Focus on bitemark beliefs and “The Syndrome”
While spending nearly a full May 5th springtime time day listening to the “Country Dentist” Dr Michael West lavish a Mississippi courtroom with his god-like powers of forensic observation aided by a blue light flashlight, I began to reflect on … Continue reading
Posted in Bite Marks, Bitemarks, criminal justice reform, CSI, death penalty, Dr. Michael West, exoneration, forensic testimony
Tagged American Academy of Forensic Science, AMERICAN BOARD OF FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY, Bad forensic science, criminal justice, CSI, district attorney, forensic examiner error, junk forensic science, wrongful convictions
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Mess up, stolen drugs, perjury, in Medical Examiner crime lab leads to lawsuit
This Delaware case should show that wrongful convictions and junk forensic science are not a figment of the media’s imagination. “The medical examiner’s laboratory has since been replaced by the Division of Forensic Science under the Department of Safety and … Continue reading
Dallas man released at exoneration hearing
The judge baked a pumpkin pie before vacating his 25 year old conviction and incarceration. The dentist responsible says his “science” has changed. There never was any science. http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2015/10/dallas-county-man-freed-after-serving-25-years-for-murder-over-faulty-science-of-bite-marks.html/
