A man who spent 22 years on death row has been exonerated and freed after new DNA evidence implicated the lead detective in the original investigation, marking one of the most shocking wrongful conviction cases in US history.
The Case
Advanced forensic DNA analysis matched crime scene evidence to the detective who led the investigation. The detective, now retired, has been arrested and charged with the original murder.
Systemic Failure
Investigators found that the detective fabricated evidence, coerced witnesses, and suppressed exculpatory information. The case has prompted a review of 300+ cases the detective worked on.
- 22 years on death row, now free
- Lead detective arrested for the murder
- Evidence fabrication and witness coercion found
- 300+ cases under review