STORY: "Former inmate makes case for expanded DNA testing in Oregon," by reporter Peter Wong, published by the Portland Tribune on March 25, 2015.
SUB-HEADING: "Ted Bradford was acquitted in Washington state after test — after serving 10 years for rape."
GIST: "Ted Bradford says he would rather avoid the limelight after a successful but years-long effort to exonerate himself of rape, for which he served 10 years in prison in Washington state. But Bradford came to Salem on Wednesday to testify in favor of changes in Oregon law to expand the availability of DNA testing and require judges to state their reasons for denials. “If my story could help just one person out there who is wrongly convicted and sitting in prison right now with no hope — if I can reach that person in any way — it just makes it worth it,” he told reporters before a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee. “I support this bill because it helps right wrongs in our justice system. Lawmakers on the panel are considering House Bill 3206, sponsored jointly by Democratic Reps. Jennifer Williamson of Portland and Ann Lininger of Lake Oswego. The bill would allow a defendant to seek DNA testing if connected with any relevant crime — not just murder or sex crimes — and require judges to put on the record their reasons for denial. “For the overwhelming majority of crimes, DNA just isn’t an issue,” says Steven Wax, legal director of the Oregon Innocence Project, and for 27 years, the federal public defender for Oregon. “We are suggesting that if there is any crime in which DNA evidence is relevant, testing should be available. Innocence is innocence, guilt is guilt, and let’s not make a false distinction.” But the Oregon District Attorneys Association opposes the bill. It says the bill would allow a broad range of cases to be reopened and would add to costs......... Although Innocence Project Northwest, based in Seattle, accepted his case in 2002, Bradford managed to get his original conviction overturned only in 2007. He credits more sophisticated DNA testing. “What they could not find at my first trial in 1996, they were able to uncover years later — unfortunately, after I had done all my time,” he says. Yakima County prosecutors chose to try him again on charges of first-degree rape and burglary, but he was acquitted in 2010. “It has meant the world,” Bradford says. “My world was turned upside down.” He had been married with two children, and was employed two decades ago. He says employment has been difficult to find, and he is still reforging relationships with family and friends."
The entire story can be found at:
http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/254980-125194-former-inmate-makes-case-for-expanded-dna-testing-in-oregon
PS: For latest coverage of the Mark Lundy retrial go to:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/mark-lundy-murder-retrial
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
Dear Reader. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog. We are following this case.
