False or Misleading Forensic Evidence in Capital Cases

Overstated, invalid or misleading forensic testimony has contributed to wrongful death sentences in cases involving firearms, hair, bite marks and other evidence.

Why it matters in capital cases

Connected exoneration cases

– Kerry Max Cook — Texas; convicted 1978, exonerated 2024. – Anthony Ray Hinton — Alabama; convicted 1985, exonerated 2015. – Curtis Edward McCarty — Oklahoma; convicted 1986, exonerated 2007. – Ronald Keith Williamson — Oklahoma; convicted 1988, exonerated 1999. – Sabrina Butler-Smith — Mississippi; convicted 1990, exonerated 1995. – Kennedy Brewer — Mississippi; convicted 1995, exonerated 2008.

Research standard

Source

– Death Penalty Information Center — Innocence Database.