Convicted by Juries Exonerated by Science June 1996

Convicted by Juries, Exonerated by Science June 1996 “Our system of criminal justice is best described as a search for truth. Increasingly, the forensic use of DNA technology is an important ally in that search. By highlighting the importance and utility of DNA evidence, this report challenges the scientific and justice community. Among the tasks ahead are the following: maintaining the highest standards for the collection and preservation of DNA evidence, ensuring DNA testing methodology meets rigorous scientific criteria for reliability and accuracy. . ” Attorney General Janet Reno

The NC Center on Actual Innocence n n n 501(c)(3) Seven participating Law School Innocence Projects® in NC. 200 volunteers a year. 1, 200 Claims a Year 90% Rejected after Initial Review 130 Active Cases Criteria • Complete Actual Innocence of NC Felony • Still Incarcerated, post appeal • New Evidence • No Representation

North Carolina DNA Exonerations n n Ronald Cotton – 1985 -1995 (Alamance) • Charges: Rape (2 cts. ), Burglary (2 cts. ) • Sentence: Life plus 54 years • Causes: ID, Unreliable “Science” Keith Brown – 1993 -1997 (Wilson) • Charges: 2 nd Degree Rape, 2 nd Degree Sex Offense (Plea) • Sentence: 35 Years • Causes: ID, False Confession

North Carolina DNA Exonerations n Lesly Jean – 1982 -1991 (Onslow) • Charges: Rape, Sexual Assault • Sentence: 2 Life Sentences • Causes: ID, Hypnosis • Exonerated 2001 n Leo Waters – 1982 -2003 (Onslow) • Charges: Rape, Sex Offense, Robbery • Sentence: Life • Causes: ID, Hypnosis

North Carolina DNA Exonerations n Darryl Hunt – 1985 -2004 (Forsyth) • Charges: Murder • Sentence: Life • Causes: ID, Misconduct, Snitch n Dwayne Dail – 1989 -2007 (Wayne) • Charges: Rape, Sex Offense, Burglary • Sentence: Life x 2 plus 18 years • Causes: ID, Unreliable Science

Dwayne Allen Dail

Age = 53 Age = 40

Case Analysis – Dwayne Dail n Misidentification • Lighting, exposure time, weapon, trauma, age, suggestion n Forensic Science • Microscopic Hair Comparison – hair vacuumed from a throw rug n Tunnel Vision • Law Enforcement, Prosecution, and Defense n n Lack of Evidence Tracking Ineffective Assistance