19 Mar 05
"I'm Absolutely Positive": In late 2004, two men who had been convicted of rape based on confident identifications by the victims (Wilton Dedge of Florida and Dennis Brown of Louisiana) were exonerated after having served 22 and 19 years, respectively, before DNA evidence showed that the crimes were almost certainly committed by others. In the trials, Dedge's accuser had stuck to her recollection even after six alibi witnesses had come forward, and Brown's accuser said she observed her rapist's face up close for 20 minutes and was certain Brown was the man. [St. Petersburg Times, 2-4-05] [Chicago Tribune, 2-17-05]
What should the fallout be from a case like this?
19 Mar 05
Originally posted by Hand of HecateI think it's generally agreed that eyewitnesses for prosecution or defense are very unreliable. No doubt the victim's honestly believed and still believe the right men were convicted. I've wondered about DNA evidence. This is a new science. Are we absolutely sure DNA does not modify or mutate over a period of years? I think the fairest thing for the convicted men would be to pay them a good salary ($50,000 a year?) for their years in prison. The state can never give them back the time. It's the kind of mistake that cannot be made right. What's more, in almost all cases like this the guys are usually guys who might have spent those years in prison anyway on other charges. Doesn't make this case right, but it is likely.
"I'm Absolutely Positive": In late 2004, two men who had been convicted of rape based on confident identifications by the victims (Wilton Dedge of Florida and Dennis Brown of Louisiana) were exonerated after having served 22 and 19 years, respectively, before DNA evidence showed that the crimes were almost certainly committed by others. In the tria ...[text shortened]... g Times, 2-4-05] [Chicago Tribune, 2-17-05]
What should the fallout be from a case like this?
19 Mar 05
1 edit
Originally posted by Hand of HecateThe recognition there is something wrong in the justice system and the recognition that there may be much more cases like that.
"I'm Absolutely Positive": In late 2004, two men who had been convicted of rape based on confident identifications by the victims (Wilton Dedge of Florida and Dennis Brown of Louisiana) were exonerated after having served 22 and 1 ...[text shortened]... une, 2-17-05]
What should the fallout be from a case like this?
The people in question should recieve a considerable amount of money for all those years they spent in prison.
20 Mar 05
Originally posted by DelmerOk Wilton dredge the man convicted of 30 years + life for this crime had no prior record. He was hanging out with six friends and eyewitnesses at a garage 25 miles away. Maybe the victims description of a six foot 200 pound man matched dregde's then comparable 5 foot six inch 125 pound frame.
What's more, in almost all cases like this the guys are usually guys who might have spent those years in prison anyway on other charges. Doesn't make this case right, but it is likely.
Here just read this :
http://www.injusticebusters.com/05/Dedge_Wilton.shtml
Nyxie
20 Mar 05
Originally posted by DelmerDNA wil not change in an indvidual -and samples outside the body remain stable over time. The only real worry is planted samples - DNA is such strong evidence and quantities rquired are minuscule.
I think it's generally agreed that eyewitnesses for prosecution or defense are very unreliable. No doubt the victim's honestly believed and still believe the right men were convicted. I've wondered about DNA evidence. This is a new science. Are we absolutely sure DNA does not modify or mutate over a period of years? I think the fairest thing for the convic ...[text shortened]... those years in prison anyway on other charges. Doesn't make this case right, but it is likely.
DNA has cleared many who are innocent and implicated many who were never caught when they raped and murdered decades ago. Both are causes for celebration.
The rate of false conviction in the past is a cause of worry - especally in parts of the world where capital punishment continues.