PUBLISHER'S NOTE: What do police informants have to do with forensic science? (I'm glad you asked). Investigative Colloff give us a clue when she writes - at the link below - "I’ve wanted to write about jailhouse informants for a long time because they often appear in troubled cases in which the other evidence is weak." That's my experience as will as a criminal lawyer and an observer of criminal justice. Given the reality that jurors - thanks to the CSI effect - are becoming more and more insistent on the need for there to be forensic evidence, it is becoming more and more common for police to rely on shady tactics such as use of police snitches, staging lineups, coercing, inducing, or creating false confessions out of thin air, procuring false eyewitness testimony or concealing exculpatory evidence.
BACKGROUND: The Masters Report: "Judge William Hickle, the special master appointed in the case, was tasked to review evidence in the 2003 murder case against Keith Carnes. The 111-page report to the Missouri Supreme Court narrowly focused on the factual findings of the case. “The bottom line is that the judge concluded that all of the witnesses that Keith Carnes’ attorneys called were credible and they stated without any hesitation that they were wrong when they identified him as the killer,” Chris Iliff with Miracle of Innocence previously told the KSHB 41 I-Team. Miracle of Innocence is representing Carnes and said the judge pointed out that the prosecution and the defense did not receive a report from a confidential informant."
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QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Carnes has spent 18 years in prison for a murder he’s always said he didn’t commit. Earlier this week, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office filed a motion to fight Carnes’ release. Eve Moffat is Carnes’ mom. She wants to know why. “Eighteen years,” Moffat said. “He didn’t do the crime. I want him home. I want him home immediately.”
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STORY: "Community rallies for Keith Carnes as judge (Master) rules constitutional rights were violated," by Reporter Regan Porter, published by Fox 4 News, on January 26, 2022.
GIST: A Kansas City, Missouri man serving time for a 2003 murder received support at a rally Wednesday outside the Jackson County Courthouse
A judge recently ruled that Keith Carnes’ constitutional rights were violated at his trial . Now, they’re waiting for the Missouri Supreme Court to rule on whether to release Carnes outright or order a new trial.
“Free Keith Carnes!” Darryl Burton said.
He’s a co-founder of Miracle of Innocence, a Kansas City based non-profit that help people who have been wrongfully convicted beyond just getting their freedom.
Burton joined a handful of people who have sat in jail cells across the country for crimes they did not commit.
Carnes has spent 18 years in prison for a murder he’s always said he didn’t commit.
Earlier this week, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office filed a motion to fight Carnes’ release.
Eve Moffat is Carnes’ mom. She wants to know why.
“Eighteen years,” Moffat said. “He didn’t do the crime. I want him home. I want him home immediately.”
Carnes’ legal team said the Missouri Supreme Court has the power to release Carnes.
In light of the Special Master’s report, his attorneys believe Carnes will be exonerated.
A jury convicted Carnes on a statement by an eyewitness that was later recanted. His attorneys said there’s no evidence to link Carnes to the crime scene where someone killed Larry White.
“It was bogus evidence. and now that the truth has come out, the facts have come out,” Burton said. “Let this man go, release him because if it was their son, if it was their relative, somebody they love, they would move heaven and earth to get him out, and they should!”
Moffatt and these exonerees have an immediate call to action for the Missouri Supreme Court.
“Free Keith Carnes!”
It’s now up to the Court if he gets immediate release or a new trial.
If granted a new trial, the decision is up to the Jackson County prosecutors to decide if they would like to re-try the case.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office sent FOX4 this statement: “The Keith Carnes case has been handled by the Attorney General’s Office. Therefore, we have no information at this time. Of course, our office will closely evaluate what occurred during the hearing with the AG and we will closely review the findings issued by a Special Master. As with all cases, we will make a decision based on the evidence in the case.”
The entire story can be read at:
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/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;
