Search Results for: Willingham

Perry attempts to gut Forensic Science Commission

Posted on September 30, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

This is an outrage. Gov. Rick Perry today replaced the chairman of the Texas Forensic Science Commission, which is conducting a politically sensitive investigation into whether the state executed a man based on a fatally flawed arson investigation. The commission’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

It’s hard to get a conviction when there’s no evidence of a crime

Posted on September 30, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The main bit of news in this AP story about the Todd Willingham case review is that the Texas Forensic Science Commission will be reviewing the Beyler report about the shoddy investigation of the fire on Friday. I hope, though … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

More on scent lineups

Posted on September 29, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The Chron had a good story yesterday about “scent lineups” and the problems they’ve caused in criminal cases. Since one of the main arguments raised by the defenders of the Todd Willingham verdict seems to be that the experts involved … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on More on scent lineups

DA drops arson charges against Justice Medina’s wife

Posted on August 29, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

You may recall the saga of State Supreme Court Justice David Medina, who was indicted on a charge of arson after his house burned down, then had that charge dismissed by Chuck Rosenthal amid much controversy – see here for … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

More questionable arson convictions

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The Observer has published the second of its stories on questionable arson convictions (the first, from April, is here). It’s a compelling series, and really gives a good picture of why these two cases should not have resulted in charges, … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on More questionable arson convictions

Innocence

Posted on January 27, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Lisa Falkenberg examines what Circuit Judge Jacques L. Wiener Jr. referred to as “the elephant in the room” in granting a stay of execution to Larry Swearingen. The nation’s highest court hasn’t directly addressed whether a claim of actual innocence … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Innocence

Posted on January 27, 2009 by Greg Wythe

Lisa Falkenberg examines what Circuit Judge Jacques L. Wiener Jr. referred to as “the elephant in the room” in granting a stay of execution to Larry Swearingen. The nation’s highest court hasn’t directly addressed whether a claim of actual innocence … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on Innocence

Forensic Science commission recommends examination of capital arson case

Posted on August 17, 2008 by Charles Kuffner

This has the potential to be a political earthquake. Cameron Willingham never stopped insisting he was innocent of murder. Even as he lay strapped to a gurney awaiting execution, the burly Corsicana auto mechanic denied setting the house blaze in … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on Forensic Science commission recommends examination of capital arson case

Williamson County election update

Posted on December 16, 2006 by Charles Kuffner

Eye on Williamson brings the latest news about the major voting problems they had in that county this year. Williamson County officials took a major step Thursday to restore residents’ trust in the voting system after numerous problems in the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2006 | Comments Off on Williamson County election update