Saturday, July 7, 2012

Bulletin: Va authorities eying decades old DNA tests to investigate 5 more possible wrongful convictions - The Washington Post.

STORY: Va authorities eying decades-old DNA tests to investigate 5 more possible wrong convictions," published by the Washington Post on July 6, 2012.

GIST: "Prosecutors are investigating four decades-old cases to determine whether DNA testing on evidence saved from all those years ago could lead to the exoneration of five individuals. Under a law that took effect on Sunday, the Virginia Department of Forensic Science disclosed the DNA results of more than 70 persons convicted of crimes in which the old biological evidence retained in their files did not match their DNA. The law allowed the department to withhold results if prosecutors felt releasing them would hinder the investigation into whether someone was wrongfully convicted. In releasing the DNA results through a Freedom of Information Act request, the department revealed that authorities in Norfolk and Carroll County withheld tests implicating five individuals in various crimes."

The entire story can be found at:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-authorities-eying-decades-old-dna-tests-to-investigate-5-more-possible-wrongful-convictions/2012/07/06/gJQAxb7lRW_story.html

See also: NBC12 Investigates: DNA may clear 5 more Virginia inmates:

http://www.nbc12.com/story/18966029/nbc12-investigates-dna-may-clear-5-more-va-inmates

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.