Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Bulletin: Hank Skinner; Items for DNA testing to be handed over to lab Thursday 5 July; He says they will clear him. Houston Chronicle.

STORY: "State to get DNA evidence for DNA testing," by reporter Allan Turner, published in the Houston Chronicle on July 4, 2012.

GIST: "In a case that has become an international anti-death penalty cause célèbre, Skinner since 2001 has battled to obtain DNA testing of items he believes will clear him of the Pampa killings of Twila Busby and her sons, Randy and Elwin.........The items are to be turned over to Texas Department of Public Safety lab technicians on Thursday. "This nightmare is almost over," Skinner said in a recent death-row interview. "I'm looking forward to the day I can leave. I'll either leave with a few boxes under my arm or in a box. I've already spent 18 years in hell. The state's seeming capitulation appeared a breakthrough for Skinner, who has orchestrated a "Free Skinner" campaign through frequent prison cell pronouncements and postings on his website, "Hell Hole News." Even as Skinner's lawyers and supporters breathed a sigh of relief, though, it once again appeared the victory may only be partial. State lawyers admit that, after a thorough search, they cannot find the windbreaker, which Skinner attorney Rob Owen called a key piece of evidence."

The entire story can be found at:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/State-to-get-Skinner-evidence-for-DNA-testing-3684530.php

PUBLISHER'S NOTE:

I am monitoring this case. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments.

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.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith

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

Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com

Harold Levy: Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog.