Postconviction Archives - Page 3 of 5

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Hawai’i Innocence Project

Exoneration of Albert “Ian” Schweitzer

In 1991, Albert “Ian” Schweitzer was convicted for the sexual assault and murder of Dana Ireland. After 25 years of wrongful incarceration, on January 24, 2023, his conviction was dismissed based on new DNA testing that excluded him as a contributor to DNA evidence collected from the crime scene and instead identified one unknown male perpetrator. Mr. Schweitzer’s wrongful conviction was also impacted by false testimony, false confession, and ineffective assistance of counsel.

January 2023

BBC

Cal State LA’s California Forensic Science Institute’s Postconviction funding supports DNA testing that leads to the exoneration of Maurice Hastings after serving 38 years in state prison

Maurice Hastings served more than 38 years in state prison for the 1983 murder of Roberta Wydermyer in California and two attempted murders, but new DNA evidence instead pointed to another man who died in prison in 2020. At the time of the victim’s autopsy, semen was detected in an oral swab. Mr. Hastings had maintained his innocence from the moment he was arrested, but a request for DNA testing of the swab in 2000 was denied by the Los Angeles County District Attorney. Eventually, Mr. Hastings was able to put in a claim of innocence to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit in 2021 and DNA testing found that the semen was not his. The DNA profile instead matched a man who had been convicted of an armed kidnapping where he placed his female victim in a trunk of a vehicle. On October 20, 2022, Mr. Hastings was released from prison and his 1988 conviction was vacated.

October 2022

Publications

Forensic Genetic Genealogy Laboratory Considerations and Technology Limitations

The application of forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) has technological limitations and will not resolve every case. By taking the time to thoroughly evaluate cases and associated evidence with both local crime laboratory representatives and FGG vendor laboratory representatives, law enforcement investigators can greatly increase the chances of attaining successful case resolutions with FGG. This brief provides the SAKI TTA Team’s guidance on evidence submission based on current successes seen within the field and suggested questions to consider when choosing a FGG laboratory vendor [Description provided by the SAKI TTA website].

October 2022

FTCOE

Just Identifying Individuals With Forensic Genetic Genealogy

In episode one of the FTCOE’s Applications of Forensic Science for Human Identification season, the presenters discuss the use of forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) in identifying human remains, how it differs from searching a DNA profile in CODIS, what limitations exist when using DNA technologies to identify unknown remains, and the importance of familial reference samples.

September 2022

Forensic Technology Center of Excellence

Just Identifying Individuals with Forensic Genetic Genealogy

In episode one of our Applications of Forensic Science for Human Identification season, Just Science sat down with Dr. Heather McKiernan, a Research Forensic Scientist at RTI International, and Ashley Rodriguez, a Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International, to discuss the use of forensic genetic genealogy in identifying human remains [Description provided by the FTCOE website].

September 2022

FTCOE

A Review Of Legislation Associated With Lawfully Owed DNA Samples

This report provides a legislative review of statutes associated with the collection, tracking, and testing of DNA samples from convicted offenders, with areas for consideration in how to address questions or conflicts surrounding DNA collection laws.

September 2022

Highlights

Exoneration of Terance Calhoun

In 2007, Terance Calhoun was convicted of sexual assault of two victims. DNA testing excluded him in 2007. Additional DNA testing was performed in 2019 by Bode confirming the original testing. On January 10, 2022, the Michigan State Police reported that a search of the FBI DNA database linked the DNA profile from the condom to a man who “is currently charged with other sexual assault offenses in the Detroit area that are alleged to have occurred between 2007 and 2014.” He was exonerated in April 2022.

May 2022

Forensic Technology Center of Excellence

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Award Management

This presentation provides information about the main life cycle of award management and award administration basics [Description provided by the FTCOE website].

March 2022

FTCOE

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Award Management

This webinar provides information about the main life cycle of grant management and award management basics, including compliance, requirements, modifications, and award closeout. This is the final part of the three-part BJA Forensic Grants 101 series, which also delivered insight into the administrative, programmatic, and financial aspects of BJA grant administration requirements.

March 2022

Forensic Technology Center of Excellence

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Grant Application and Award Acceptance

This presentation reviews application submission and the peer review process for competitive grant programs [Description provided by the FTCOE website].

March 2022

Tag: Postconviction