STORY: "Judge orders release of 2 Montana men whose convictions were overturned," by reporter Eric Jochem, published by KTVQ on April 17, 2018."
SUB-HEADING: "Judge orders release of 2 Montana men whose convictions were overturned in 1994 murder."
GIST: "Two men previously convicted of a 1994 Montana murder and robbery have been ordered released from prison. The order freeing Paul Jenkins and Freddie Lawrence comes just days after a Lewis and Clark County District Judge overturned their convictions and ordered a new trial. In her ruling, Judge Kathy Seeley ruled new DNA evidence casts significant doubt on whether, given the DNA evidence, a jury might convict Jenkins and Lawrence of the murder of Donna Meagher and the robbery of the Jackson Creek Saloon. At a hearing in March, new evidence was presented showing that there was no DNA at the scene matching either Jenkins or Lawrence. However, DNA did match that of David Nelson. Nelson is a known criminal with a history of violent kidnappings and robberies and is currently serving time for a double homicide in Deer Lodge. According to the Tuesday court orders, both Jenkins and Lawrence are to be released on their own recognizance. Freddie Lawrence is to be released from the Montana State Prison immediately to the custody of the Montana Innocence Project. He is to live in Missoula in housing arranged by the Montana Innocence Project. Lawrence will have to wear an electronic monitor and remain in daily contact with his legal counsel. The state must give 24 hours notice before it releases Paul Jenkins from the Lewistown Infirmary to for the arrangement of the transportation of his wheelchair and prosthetics. Jenkins is to remain in Montana and live with his daughter. Both men have also been ordered to avoid alcohol and drugs, have no contact with any victims or witnesses in the case and make all future court appearances."
The entire story can be found at:
http://www.ktvq.com/story/37978124/judge-orders-release-of-2-montana-men-whose-convictions-were-overturned-in-1994-murder
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. 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/c
