Jeffrey Havard: (1): Mississippi; Shaken baby syndrome? Anal contusion? Capital case; Pathogist Steven Hayne changes opinion; (Death by pathologist? HL) Must read! Clarion-Ledger;

STORY: Science broken on death row decade later," by reporter Jerry Mitchell, published in the Clarion-Ledger on February 20, 2011.

GIST: "At trial, pathologist Dr. Steven Hayne, who performed the autopsy, testified the death was consistent with shaken baby syndrome and that an anal contusion was "consistent with penetration of the rectum with an object." But Hayne since has acknowledged that dilated anal sphincters also may be seen on people without significant brain function and that the anal contusion was not sufficient to determine a sexual assault occurred. A rape kit conducted at the time found no evidence of semen. At The Clarion-Ledger's request, world-renowned pathologist Dr. Michael Baden examined the autopsy report and has since examined the autopsy photographs. He found no evidence of sexual abuse, he said. "That anus is perfectly normal. It's not abnormal in any way." He said he found no evidence of homicide or shaken baby syndrome. The injuries were consistent with her being dropped, he said. If the state Supreme Court rejects his post-conviction plea, he will move one step closer to execution."

THE ENTIRE STORY CAN BE FOUND AT:

/20120221/NEWS/202210326/Silence-broken-death-row-decade-later?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CHome%7Cs

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at:

http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=120008354894645705&postID=6408887284438140301

Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at:

http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html

Harold Levy: Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog; hlevy15@gmail.com;