STORY: "Dentist now doubts science of bite-analysis," by reporter Jerry Mitchell, published in the Clarion-Ledger on August 5, 2012.
PHOTO-CAPTION: "Leigh Stubbs and Tami Vance were jubilant on June 28 after the state Supreme Court threw out their convictions. Dr. Michael West, an expert witness on bite-mark analysis, testified in their trial. Now, West says he no longer believes in bite-mark analysis."
GIST: "Since the 1980s, Hattiesburg dentist Michael West has raised his right hand and sworn dozens of time that bite marks on victims matched suspects. He compared these bite marks to fingerprints, describing their unique characteristics to jurors. Most suspects he testified against went off to prison. Now West rejects the very science he relied on to help put so many behind bars. "I no longer believe in bite-mark analysis," he said in a 2011 deposition obtained by The Clarion-Ledger. "I don't think it should be used in court. I think you should use DNA. Throw bite marks out." Two of those convicted in a 2001 aggravated assault case in which West testified, Leigh Stubbs and Tami Vance, are now receiving a new trial. They are both out on bond and will be arraigned today in Brookhaven."
The entire story can be found at:
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120806/NEWS11/208060307?nclick_check=1
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/charlessmithThe 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:
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.
