Public Welfare Foundation Featured Grantee
Public Welfare Foundation - January 25, 2012
The CWCY thanks the Public Welfare Foundation for all of their support. We are delighted to be their "featured grantee."
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Exonerated Man: Hard Not to Be Bitter, But Helping Others Helps Me
Fox News Chicago - January 18, 2012
CWCY client Terrill Swift and Harold Richardson, of the recently-exonerated Englewood Four, on fox news this morning. And I get to make an appearance too.
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Four Englewood men won’t be retried for 1994 rape and murder
Chicago Sun-Times - January 17, 2012
Englewood Four are finally, officially exonerated. With the Dixmoor Five case resolved on November 3, 2011, the CWCY has now helped exonerate nine teenagers in the last three months. Seven falsely confessed. We have a big problem here in Cook County with the way we interrogate juveniles.
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12-year-old's homicide confession is case for debate on recorded interrogations
Memphis Commerical Appeal - January 08, 2012
Terrific article highlighting the case of Thomas Cogdell (CWCY wrote an amicus to help him get released), from Arkansas, and the need for Tennessee to electronically record. Thomas Cogdell's case was also featured on MSNBC last night -- http://video.msnbc.msn.com/documentaries/45892518.
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Keep Teenagers out of Adult Criminal Court
Chicago Tribune - January 02, 2012
Another plea for no more transfer of our youth to adult court. As noted by my colleague Laura Nirider in her editorial linked above, the chances of wrongfully convicting a youth is yet another reason not to transfer them.
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Disputed DNA murder case in limbo in Supreme Court
Myrtle Beach Online - December 17, 2011
This isn't a juvenile case, but the Billy Wayne Cope case is one of the most mindblowing and tragic false confession cases I'm aware of. It is an example of the worst kind of tunnel vision from prosecutors in the face of a confession.
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Conviction in 20-year-old murder wiped from books
Chicago Tribune - December 13, 2011
Congratulations to Robert Veal, who yesterday was finally officially exonerated and joins the other defendants in the Dixmoor 5. Veal, who is severely limited, was coerced into confessing and testifying against the other defendants as a teenager.
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DNA evidence not a slam dunk for Cook County prosecutors
Chicago public radio - November 29, 2011
It has been a whirlwind of media for CWCY clients of late and we have been behind posting it. But here is a nice, short little piece on the recent status of the Englewood litigation. We are still awaiting the prosecutor's next step. We remain hopeful they will drop the charges as the DNA proves with certainty that all five boys who confessed are innocent.
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Exonerated, freed and facing a new life
Chicago Tribune - November 25, 2011
This is a must-read! Steve Mills chronicles CWCY clients Robert Taylor's adjustment to life on the outside after 20 years of wrongful conviction. Robert was wrongfully jailed for a crime he did not commit at the tender age of 15 based on his false confession. A wonderful video accompanies the story.
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After 15 Years In Prison, Hope For Chicagoans
National Public Radio - November 23, 2011
Listen to CWCY client Terrill Swift tell a national radio audience about his story.
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Villegas hearing 'shocking' to unlikely advocate
Fox El Paso - November 08, 2011
Absolutely terrific piece on Daniel Villegas' saga. Daniel's new advocate is non other than the foreman of the jury who convicted him. Nice quick clip of our own Steve Drizin as well.
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Alvarez does right, but gets it wrong
Chicago Tribune - November 04, 2011
There has been a ton of news stories, both local and national, relating to the release of the Dixmoor Five. But I love this short and simple one this past Sunday from Eric Zorn at the Tribune. Check it out.
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Four men hope DNA will overturn 1994 murder convictions
Chicago Tribune - October 10, 2011
The wait continues for Terrill Swift and the rest of the convicted teenagers in the Englewood Five case. The DNA results are of the exact type, indeed more powerful, than that of the other 273 people nationwide who have been exonerated by DNA evidence. A lengthy hearing was held yesterday, and we remain very hopeful that the convictions will be vacated next month.
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Villegas Testifies He Was Paralyzed By Fear Of Former Detective
ABC El Paso - September 15, 2011
Daniel Villegas testifies at his hearing, talking about the fear instilled to him by the interrogator when he was just 16 years old, which caused him to falsely confess.
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New trial for man convicted in ’88 murder after witness recants
Chicago Sun Times - September 13, 2011
Incredible, amazing, and stunning victory for Jacques Rivera and my colleagues Jane Raley and Judy Royal. The recanting witness, who testified 20 years later he got his initial identification wrong, was just 12 years old when he gave his original testimony implicating the wrong man.
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Swift Justice In Question
Columbia Chronicle - September 13, 2011
The Columbia Chronicle does a nice article focused on Terrill Swift and the Englewood Five, with a mention of the Dixmoor Five case as well.
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Leaving death row not unusual overall but Damien Echols' departure a first in Arkansas
Memphis Commercial Appeal - September 10, 2011
Laura Nirider discussing the West Memphis 3 case.
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El Paso inmate gets a second chance, and a song
LA Times - August 30, 2011
The amazing story of Daniel Villegas, and his incredible advocate John Mimbella, goes national in the LA Times.
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The Release of the West Memphis Three
Legal Talk Network - August 25, 2011
Listen to this podcast, including CWCY's own Laura Nirider, discuss the West Memphis 3 case.
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Ex-death row inmate enjoys first night of freedom
Boston Herald - August 20, 2011
Steve Drizin commenting on the release of the West Memphis 3.
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West Memphis 3 Freed
CNN - August 19, 2011
The West Memphis 3 are free! Congratulations to them as well as CWCY attorneys Steve Drizin and Laura Nirider for helping to make this day happen.
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Convicted child killers freed after plea change
MSNBC - August 19, 2011
Another story on the freedom of WM3. Check out photo of press conference, which includes CWCY's own Laura Nirider and Christine Agaiby.
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Swift Justice In Question
Columbia Chronicle - August 13, 2011
The Columbia Chronicle does a nice article focused on Terrill Swift and the Englewood Five, with a mention of the Dixmoor Five case as well.
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Swift Justice In Question
Columbia Chronicle - August 13, 2011
The Columbia Chronicle does a nice article focused on Terrill Swift and the Englewood Five, with a mention of the Dixmoor Five case as well.
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FALSE CONFESSIONS DON’T JUST “HAPPEN”
http://www.policeissues.com/html/wrongful_conviction_11.html#FalseConfessions - August 12, 2011
Fascinating blog from a former cop on the issue of false confessions. And he picks up on our Englewood and Dixmoor cases.
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20 Years In Prison For a Rape and Murder Committed By Someone Else -- Courts Ignore Exonerating DNA Evidence
Alternet - August 10, 2011
Great coverage of the Englewood and Dixmoor cases, highlighting the recent advocacy efforts from the Color of Change.
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Teens and Children Twice as Likely to Falsely Confess to Crimes When Questioned
Reclaiming Futures Web Site - July 06, 2011
A blog by the CWCY on what the USSCT's decision in J.D.b. means for false confessions of juveniles.
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New Information in Villegas Hearing Causes Postponement
ABC El Paso - June 24, 2011
CWCY attorneys were in El Paso, TX this week supporting Daniel Villegas' post-conviction request for a new trial. Villegas was 16 in 1993 when he confessed to a double murder. The CWCY's detailed analysis of this confession has caused them to take up the cause of Daniel and join the fight to get him a new trial.
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Surprise Witness Comes Forward; Villegas Hearing In Recess
Fox El Paso - June 24, 2011
More coverage of the Villegas hearing, which has now been postponed until August 8 while the parties continue to investigate.
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Editorial: Don’t ignore DNA that might tell the truth
Chicago Sun Times - June 20, 2011
The Sun Times demands that the Cook County State's Attorney acknowledge the powerful DNA evidence proving that the Cook County 10 are innocent.
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A Closer Look at Juvenile Interrogations
American Constitution Society - June 17, 2011
A terrific analysis of the recent USSCT decision in J.D.B. from wrongful conviction scholar Brandon Garrett.
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In Miranda calculus, age should be a factor, Court says
National Law Journal - June 16, 2011
Steve Drizin discussing the landmark J.D.B. decision
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Top Court Releases Opinions On Criminal Cases
National Public Radio - June 16, 2011
More from Steve Drizin, on National Public Radio, on the extraordinary juvenile interrogation decision in the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Landmark Juvenile Interrogation Decision
U.S. Supreme Court - June 16, 2011
In ruling that age must be considered in the Miranda custody calculus, Justice Sotomayor and the majority opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court relies on a brief filed by the CWCY and our empirical research showing that juveniles are more susceptible to false confessions.
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Ask the AR Supreme Court to Mandate Recording!
Change.org - June 13, 2011
Please sign your name to the attached petition asking the Arkansas Supreme Court to mandate recording custodial interrogations.
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End Chicago-style youth interrogations
Chicago Sun Times - June 03, 2011
Terrific oped from CWCT founder Steve Drizin, co-counsel on the Englewood and Dixmoor Five cases and a leading expert on the interrogation of juveniles.
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Backlogs, leniency on new public records law
Chicago Tribune - April 03, 2011
An important article on access to public records in Illinois, including a great quote from CWCY's own Laura Nirider. Open access to public records are essential for those investigation wrongful convictions.
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Johnnie Savory - Fighting On
youtube - April 03, 2011
CWCY client Johnnie Lee Savory continues his fight for freedom.
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Man convicted in 1994 rape, murder pins hopes on advanced DNA test
Chicago Tribune - March 25, 2011
CWCY client Terrill Swift's fight for justice is chronicled in this front page news story of the Chicago Tribune. DNA testing on behalf of Terrill is ongoing.
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Fearing Truth: Why Do Prosecutors Fight Against Post-Conviction DNA Tests?
Huffington Post - March 22, 2011
Wonderful piece by Locke Bowman, which mentions CWCY client Johnnie Lee Savory prominently. There is just no solid rationale to deny DNA testing when available.
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A History-Making Week to Consider the 2 Sides of George Ryan
New York Times - March 10, 2011
Steve Drizin, commenting on George Ryan after the abolition of the death penalty.
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HB85 -- IL bill giving minors right to counsel during interrogation
IL General Assembly - February 18, 2011
Take a look at Illinois HB85, which supports counsel for juveniles interrogated by police. Contact Christine Agaiby at the CWCY if you would like more information about the bill.
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Taking a Hard Look at Police in Schools
National Law Journal - February 09, 2011
The CWCY wrote an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of In re J.D.B., an important case that will decide whether a suspect's age should be considered in determining whether someone is in custody for Miranda purposes. Our brief argued that because juveniles are susceptible to false confessions, the consideration of age is an important protective factor. The National Law Journal picked up on our brief and labeled it its "brief of the week."
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Will County lauded for self-critical look into botched Riley Fox case
Chicago Tribune - January 30, 2011
Steve Drizin praising the report analyzing the Riley Fox murder investigation and the coerced false confession of Kevin Fox.
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CWCY files amicus brief in USSCT
ABAnet - December 23, 2010
In J.D.B. v. North Carolina, the NC Supreme Court held that age could not be considered a factor in determining whether someone is in custody and entitled to their Miranda warnings. The USSCT took this case this term, and the CWCY just filed an amicus brief in support of petitioner, J.D.B., a thirteen-year-old boy interrogated at school. The CWCY's brief focuses on the unreliability of police interrogation-induced confessions and warns the court of what could happen if there are more uncounseled interrogations of kids in school.
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Keep Teenagers out of Adult Criminal Court
Chicago Tribune - December 23, 2010
A wonderful oped from CWCY co-director Laura Nirider on why the serious risk of wrongful conviction should keep kids out of adult criminal court.
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Book on '55 Lincoln murder reopens questions, wounds
Nebraska Journal Star - December 18, 2010
Steve Drizin talks about Darrell Parker, his false confession at the age of 23, and the new book -- Barbarous Souls -- chronicling the Parker's saga.
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Study on the Wrongful Conviction of Youth Reveals High False Confession Rate
Falseconfessions.org - December 16, 2010
Falseconfessions.org blogs about the CWCY's new study on 103 wrongful convictions of youth. A copy of the article is available on our home page.
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Freed man wants state to pay
Omaha - November 28, 2010
Steve Drizin calls the interrogation of Darrell Parker, which led to his false confession, among the worst he has ever seen. Check out the new publication, Barbarous Souls, chronicling the story.
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Record All Police Interrogations:
Hartford Courant - October 12, 2010
A great plea to the Connecticut legislature to require electronic recording for all police interrogations.
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“I Did It” Why do people confess to crimes they didn’t commit?
New York Magazine - October 03, 2010
The incredible and tragic story of the false confession of Frank Sterling.
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Vigil held for West Memphis Three
Fox 16 Arkansas - October 01, 2010
Laura Nirider of the CWCY speaks about the need for a new trial for Damien Echols.
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Appeal Puts 3 Ark. Boys' Murders Back In Spotlight
Associated Press - October 01, 2010
Steve Drizin talking about the unreliability of Jessie Misskelley's confession that helped to convict Damien Echols.
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Oral Argument in Damien Echols Case
Arkansas Supreme Court - September 30, 2010
Watch the oral argument in the Arkansas Supreme Court in 18-year-old Damien Echols plea to get a new trial based on exculpatory DNA results. A fantastic presentation by Damien's attorney, including a discussion of the CWCY amicus brief.
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2 alleged false murder confessions for Waukegan police officer
Chicago Tribune - September 25, 2010
"Obviously, he's good at getting confessions. But he's not good at being able to tell a true confession from a false confession." Steven Drizin.
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Truth is, faith in polygraphs led to false imprisonment
Chicago Tribune - September 24, 2010
CWCY client Terrill Swift is innocent of the November 1994 rape and murder of Nina Glover. A false confession caused him to serve 15 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Because he won't falsely confess again to a polygrapher, his parole officer sent him back to prison. An inconclusive polygraph was the State's good cause. The injustice faced by Terrill and his co-defendants is like none other that I have personally ever witnessed.
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Dead Wrong
Clarion Ledger - September 15, 2010
A multiple false confession case that angers and saddens. Tragically, there are many cases where multiple individuals falsely confessed and were wrongfully convicted to the same crime. Youth, particularly, are overrepresented in these types of cases, such as the five young teenagers in the Central Park Jogger case.
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Confessing to Crime, but Innocent
New York Times - September 13, 2010
Ever wonder how those who falsely confess to crimes they didn't commit get the details that make their way into the statement? It is through a process called contamination, where facts are unintentionally or intentially fed to them during the police interrogation. This can result in false confessions that appear true because they are so rich in detail.
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CWCY signs on to amicus brief of Jordan Brown
September 13, 2010
Pennsylvania wants to try 11-year-old Jordan Brown as an adult and sentence him to prison for the rest of his life without an opportunity for parole. No child so young should ever face this type of jeopardy. This is especially true where the basis for the charge is Brown's own confession, and we know to not assume the reliability of a police-induced statement from someone so young. Follow this link to see the brief.
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Eddie Vedder, Natalie Maines and Johnny Depp Know a False Confession When They See One...
False Confessions Blog - September 01, 2010
Lonnie Soury's terrific blog profiles the case of the WM3 and the false confession of Jessie Misskelley.
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Concert for the West Memphis Three
NBC News - August 30, 2010
Eddie Vedder, Johnny Depp, Natalie Mains, and Patti Smith were among the celebrities to turn out for the rally to help free the WM3. CWCY attorneys Steve Drizin and Laura Nirider attended the event and spoke at the press conference.
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Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines and Johnny Depp: Defending the West Memphis Three
Politics Daily - August 30, 2010
More coverage of the widely successful rally and concert to free the WM3.
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Arkansas and False Confessions of Youth
Bluhm Blog - August 30, 2010
Ideas for reform in Arkansas to prevent future wrongful convictions of youth.
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Arkansas and False Confessions of Youth
Bluhm Blog - August 30, 2010
Ideas for reform in Arkansas to prevent future wrongful convictions of youth.
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CWCY Web site cited in Welch v. United States!
7th Circuit court of appeals - May 11, 2010
Judge Posner, in his dissenting opinion in the 7th Circuit, cites the CWCY Web site and an article by Steve Drizin as support for why juvenile adjudications are unreliable. Scroll down to pages 52 and 53 to read the excellent discussion. The case concerns using juvenile adjudications as aggravating factors in adult sentencing decisions.
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HUGE VICTORY for CWCY in case of 12-year-old T.C.
Akransas Supreme Court - May 06, 2010
The Arkansas Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, reverses the conviction of T.C. because the 12-year-old's waiver of his Miranda rights was not knowing or voluntary. The CWCY wrote an amicus brief in support of T.C.'s excellent attorney, Dorcy Corbin.
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Did 12-year-old earn murderer label fairly? Boy challenging confession in high court
Arkansas Democrat Gazette - April 21, 2010
Great press on the CWCY's amicus brief in the Arkansas Supreme Court in the case of T.C. CWCY questioned the voluntariness and reliability of the confession and the constitutionality of the Miranda waiver.
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Are Cook County's Interrogation Techniques Foolproof? The Reid Technique Examined
Huffington Post - March 22, 2010
This article explains that psychologically coercive interrogation tactics can lead to false confessions just like physically coercive tactics.
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Police interrogations: AP-LS issues landmark white paper
March 14, 2010
Landmark White Paper, co-authored by Steven Drizin and others, released by AP-LS. The tragic case of Michael Crowe's false confession at 14 is highlighted.
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4/9 SYMPOSIUM AT RUTGERS - JUVENILE WRONGFUL CONVICTION: CAUSES, EFFECTS AND REMEDIES
Rutgers University - March 10, 2010
All should attend the Rutgers symposium on wrongful conviction of youth
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Private investigator may have had ulterior motive in Dassey murder case
NBC Manitowoc - January 23, 2010
CWCY attorneys demonstrate that 16 year-old Brendan Dassey's own private investigator and defense attorney attempted to build a case against him.
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Appeal attorneys say investigator Michael O'Kelly was intent on helping convict Brendan Dassey's uncle, Steven Avery, in Teresa Halbach's murder
Appleton Post Crescent - January 21, 2010
CWCY attorneys have just completed a five-day hearing arguing for a new trial for Brendan Dassey. Dassey was 16 when he confessed to rape and murder, and this statement was the only piece of trial evidence linking him to this crime. We believe this confession is unreliable.
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Brendan Dassey, convicted in Teresa Halbach murder, had 'odd' early legal help, 2nd attorney says
Green Bay Press Gazette - January 20, 2010
Brendan Dassey's trial attorneys did not just represent him poorly, they were working against him.
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The Age of Innocents
ABA Journal - January 01, 2010
The new CWCY receives national attention in the American Bar Association Magazine.
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January hearings to decide whether Brendan Dassey gets new trial in Teresa Halbach murder
Appleton Post Crescent - December 28, 2009
Information about the upcoming post-conviction hearing in the case of 16 year-old Brendan Dassey.
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Unlock the West Memphis 3
Arkansas Times - December 03, 2009
A recent law review article concludes that Damien Echols and the other West Memphis 3 defendants deserve a new trial.
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Quinn approves 133 clemency petitions
Chicago Tribune - November 25, 2009
Stephen Cage, who was represented by CWCY attorney Steven Drizin, gets clemency.
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Lebrew Jones is free at last
Time Herald Record - November 20, 2009
False Confessor Lebrew Jones is paroled. Read this article, including a quote from CWCY co-founder Steve Drizin.
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Salvador Ortiz granted a new trial
Supreme Court of Illinois - November 19, 2009
Read this important case holding that new evidence of innocence can be brought at any time by petitioners as a matter of due process. CWCY staff attorney Joshua Tepfer co-wrote an amicus in support of Ortiz.
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Untrue Confessions
Playboy - November 01, 2009
The problem of false confessions of youth is explained in this article by CWCY Staff Attorney Joshua Tepfer
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Legal clinics create joint project, focus on juveniles
The Daily Northwestern - October 21, 2009
CWCY staff speak to the motivation for the new center.
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What Progressives Can Do about Youth Injustice
Daily Kos - October 14, 2009
Bernardine Dohrn writing about the myths of youth crime and the need to use reliable evidence when prosecuting youth.
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Ex-prosecutor Robert Carney draws scrutiny over disputed murder cases
Florida Sun Sentinal - October 11, 2009
Steve Drizin discussing one of four wrongful conviction cases in Broward County connect to ex-prosecutor Rober Carney, including the case of 15-year-old Anthony Caravella
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Minors And The Glare Of The Interrogation Light
National Public Radio - October 10, 2009
Steven Drizin talking about the need to reform the way police interrogate juvenile suspects and witnesses
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When Young People Are Wrongfully Convicted
Chicago Public Radio - October 08, 2009
Steve Drizin on Chicago Public Radio talking about the Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth and Interrogating Youth
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Focuses on Youth Injustice
Innocence Project - October 08, 2009
The Innocence Project blogs about the CWCY
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Our Justice System Needs to Protect Children's Human Rights
Huffington Post - October 05, 2009
Bernardine Dohrn, co-founder of the CWCY, speaks to the problem of the wrongful conviction of youth.
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Faulty Eyewitness Identifications Leading Cause of Wrongful Convictions
Dallas Morning News - October 04, 2009
Steve Drizin speaks to the importance of videotaping interrogations
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Why Young People Falsely Confess to Police
Huffington Post - October 02, 2009
Steve Drizin, co-founder of the CWCY, explaining why young people falsely confess.
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So the Innocent Might Go Free
Grinnell Magazine - October 01, 2009
Joshua Tepfer, CWCY Staff Attorney, highlighting the problem of police inducing false statements from youth.
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Northwestern meeting focuses on false confessions
Chicago Tribune - September 30, 2009
Details about the CWCY Symposium on October 8, 2009.
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Could Domino's Pizza Hat Clear Convicted Killer
Chicago Sun Times - September 24, 2009
CWCY attorneys seek DNA testing for teenager Corey Batchelor, who confessed to a 1989 slaying.
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Bruce Lisker won't be retried for 1983 slaying of his mother
Los Angeles Times - September 23, 2009
Arrested at 17 and released 26 years later, but Lisker is still being accused by the prosecution.
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Justice for Damien Echols
Arkansas Times - September 17, 2009
The CWCY files its first amicus brief in the case of West Memphis 3 defendant Damien Echols.
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DNA result just one of troubling aspects in convicted man's case
Florida Sun-Sentinel - September 04, 2009
DNA clears 15-year-old who falsely confessed
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Teen Convicted in Teresa Halbach Death to Seek New Trial
Wassau Daily Herald - August 25, 2009
CWCY attorneys file motion seeking new trial for Brendan Dassey.
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Illinois Man Imprisoned At 13 Freed After 16 Years
Channel 2 Chicago - May 04, 2009
CWCY helps free Thaddeus Jimenez, the youngest person ever convicted as an adult and later exonerated.
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Panel believes Taylor is innocent
Source - February 01, 2009
Gregory Taylor's case getting another look after another man confesses.
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State's attorney announces new unit to review prosecutions
Chicago Tribune - February 03, 2012
We are cautiously optimistic that this new unit from Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez will be robust and carefully review cases of actual innocence. We were particularly pleased to see that she recognized juvenile confessions as a particularly problematic. Time will tell whether there is a true "shift in philosophy."
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Death Sentence Overturned
Delaware online - January 04, 2012
Extraordinary ruling for Jermaine Wright, who at 18 confessed to a murder and was on death row for the last 20 years. He's granted habeas relief and will get a new trial.
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People v. Oliveras
New York Courts - December 27, 2011
New York appellate court grants a new trial post conviction in case of juvenile confession on ineffective assistance of counsel grounds. Court finds that, in case where only evidence was confession, counsel's failure to request psych reports of young man to support the false confession defense was unreasonable.
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Appeals court tosses out Juan Rivera's '92 conviction
Chicago Tribune - December 12, 2011
Hearty congratulations to my colleagues at the CWC for their inspired and tireless work to finally exonerate Juan Rivera. Rivera was just 19 years old when coerced into a false confession. He was exonerated by DNA years ago, but it took this long for the courts to finally acknowledge it.
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What’s on Their Minds: Does a Juvenile Have the Right to Counsel at the Interrogation Stage of the Proceedings? In re M.W.
Legally Speaking Ohio - December 07, 2011
We wrote an amicus brief in this case. Fascinating take from a former Ohio appellate judge on this case. Could Ohio be geared up to require mandatory consultation with counsel for juveniles prior to interrogation?
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Anatomy of a Bad Confession, Part I
Boston public radio - December 07, 2011
Great story on the excruciating interrogation of Nga Truong, a teenage girl who is accused of killing her newborn. The confession was suppressed, and this story tells why.
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Judge tosses confession from teen accused of killing mom, having sex with corpse
Johnson City Press - December 01, 2011
15-year-old Cody Miller's confession to the murder and subsequent rape of his mother's corpse is suppressed. The judge notes -- "no one reading this interrogation could have any idea what Miller's involvement in this case is." Clearly involuntary and unreliable.
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Daniel Villegas Gains Support From Wrongly Convicted Man
NBC El Paso - October 27, 2011
Daniel Villegas' fight for freedom from his wrongful conviction continues.
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Grant prosecutor asks O'Malley for relief
Baltimore Sun - October 24, 2011
Bravo to this trial prosecutor for standing up and stating, even so many years later, that he wouldn't have prosecuted Mr. Grant had he known all the information he knows now. Here is hoping that Grant, who was just 15 when arrested 30 years ago, gets the commutation or pardon he appears to deserve from the Governor of Maryland.
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ESCONDIDO: Crowe family settles civil rights lawsuit for $7.25 million Read more: http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/escondido/article_7e1136f3-f5f4-5faf-ba21-8e8d9f7fb760.html#ixzz1bhmcGfdw
North County Times - October 22, 2011
The heartbreaking saga of the Crowe family has finally reaching an end. The psychologically torturous interrogation of Michael Crowe (14), which led to his false confession of killing his sister, is perhaps the most salient example of the unique susceptibility of children to false confession. I hope this settlement allows the Crowe family a chance to move forward with their lives as they welcome a new baby into the world.
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Justices Decline to Hear Temple Murders Case
Courthouse News Service - October 11, 2011
It appears Jonathan Doody will finally get relief. In 2010, the 9th Circuit ruled that 17 year old Jonathan Doody's confession to 9 murders at a Buddhist Temple was involuntary. After much back and forth, the USSCT decided today it won't reconsider that ruling.
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Man Jailed for 21 Years Set Free After Murder Charges Dropped
NBC Chicago - October 04, 2011
So happy for Jacques Rivera and my amazing colleagues -- Jane Raley, Judy Royal, et al -- at the CWC. The witness who recanted was just 12 when he falsely implicated Rivera.
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Daniel Villegas abused by detective, witness says
El Paso Times - September 10, 2011
Dr. Leo testifies at the Daniel Villegas hearing in El Paso.
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In New Jersey, Rules Are Changed on Witness IDs
New York Times - August 25, 2011
Landmark eyewitness identification decision from the high court in New Jersey. Fascinating article. US Supreme Court will consider eyewitness id issues in the near future as well.
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West Memphis Three case outcome illustrates important lesson, DeSales University professor says
West Lehigh - August 20, 2011
Important lessons about children and false confessions can be learned from the WM3 case, says Professor Katherine Ramsland, who teaches law enforcement officials. Professor Ramsland notes that it was clear Misskelley confessed because he just wanted to go home. That is a familiar refrain with many false confessions from kids -- they think they will go home after they confess.
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Valley Buddhist temple massacre has had lasting impact
Arizona Republic - August 14, 2011
Fascinating tale of the lasting impact that bad interrogations have had in the famous Buddhist Temple Massacre case in Tucson.
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Silence is golden
The Economist - August 13, 2011
The Economist publishes a story about false confessions detailing the experiments of Saul Kassin, among others. Fascinating social science research.
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Study says Miranda Rights might not be understood by all
Examiner - August 07, 2011
Fascinating new study by researcher Richard Rogers that concludes many do not understand their Miranda rights.
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'Norfolk 4' member won't be put on trial again
AP - August 04, 2011
Wonderful development in the Norfolk 4 case, which involves multiple false confessions. Prosecutors refuse to retry Derek Tice after the confession is suppressed.
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Central Park Five, Lapointe: Confessions Don't Mean They Did It
Hartford Courant - July 31, 2011
A nice review of Sarah Burns' case about the Central Park Five and how it relates to Richard Lapointe's case.
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Constructing Truth: the FBI’s (non)recording policy
Forbes - July 27, 2011
An excellent piece criticizing the FBI's stated rationale for refusing to record interrogations.
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The Arena Story
ABC's 20/20 - July 25, 2011
Watch this fascinating and disturbing story of two young teenagers who were convicted based upon the admitted false testimony of a four year. The four year old girl now is fighting to clear them, saying she was coerced by her Mom to tell the lie. One of the teenagers also alleges he was coerced into a confession.
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Hernando County murder confession raises red flags
Hernando Today - July 15, 2011
Kudos to Tony Holt and to the Hernando Today for the terrific investigative reporting this past weekend in the case of Alex Bostick, an 18 year old who was pressured into falsely confessing to the murder of his great and uncle by an elite detective in the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. It's a four part series (follow links in this link) that details just how the lead detective broke down Bostick through the use of psychological tactics that he had used (and had gained plaudits for using) in the past. The case is yet one more case in which the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) was used to browbeat a suspect into giving a false confession (See Michael Crowe, Anthony Harris). It's yet another case in which a teenager falsely confesses. And another to add to the list of false confessions to the murder of loved ones.
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A Murder, 7 Convictions And Many Question Marks
NPR - July 05, 2011
My colleague Steve Drizin calls this "the Central Park Jogger case on steroids." 17 accusations of teenagers and 11 convictions. The mid-Atlantic Innocence Project thinks they might all be wrongful. Listen to this story on NPR.
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Appeals Hearing Continues
NBC El Paso - June 22, 2011
The hearing for a new trial in the Daniel Villegas case has begun. The CWCY has been following the case closely and believes there are many reasons to question the reliability of 16-year-old Villegas' confession.
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The High Costs of Wrongful Convictions
Better Government Association - June 18, 2011
Kudos to Rob Warden (excecutive director of the CWC) and John Conroy for exposing the costs of wrongful convictions on Illinois taxpayers. Wrongful convictions have cost taxpayers $214 million and counting over the last two decades.
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Costs Are High for Convictions of Wrong People
New York Times - June 18, 2011
Great piece from the New York Times on John Conroy and Rob Warden's groundbreaking research on the costs of wrongful convictions in Illinois.
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Book Review -- The Central Park Jogger Case Revisited
New York Times - June 17, 2011
The New York Times' review of Sarah Burns' book on the Central Park Five. The Times applauds Burns' discussion of false confessions.
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Cops turn to moms to get murder suspects to talk
Chicago Tribune - June 14, 2011
Fascinating story in the morning tribune today about how mothers are being used by law enforcement to extract confessions from their children. Imagine how powerful this can be when the mother's child is still an actual child. Parental presence during interrogation is not the answer.
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Corrido illuminates jailed man's plight: El Paso man, 34, contends he's innocent of double murder
El Paso Times - June 10, 2011
The profile of a "corrido" -- a ballad -- written about Daniel Villegas plight. Villegas' evidentiary hearing on his fight for a new trial begins later this month.
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CT legislature passes electronic recording legislation
CT Generally Assembly - June 08, 2011
The CT legislature has mandated electronic recording of custodial interrogations. Without a recording, most confessions would not come into evidence.
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Billboards: Get Convicted Killer Out of Jail
NBC news - June 06, 2011
The fight to free Daniel Villegas, 16-year-old TX false confessor from 1993, continues.
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The Truth About False Confessions
Huffington Post - May 23, 2011
A call for more an expansion of electronic recording of interrogations in Illinois.
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Prevent wrongful convictions
Albany Times Union - May 19, 2011
Great editorial with perfect timing. The Dixmoor Five case involving CWCY client Robert Taylor (see our home page) is just like the Jeffrey Deskovic case. DNA has now matched the real perpetrator, which proves Taylor's confession, as well as two other boys' confessions, are false. Look for a story very soon about yet another tragic case involving similar facts.
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Exonerated Inmate Finds Solace in Music
MSNBC - May 16, 2011
Such a cool story about Bill Dillon. Not technically a youth when he went in (22), but such a fascinating story. And his music is just terrific.
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Good guys, bad guys — and Miranda
LA Times - May 02, 2011
Brilliant oped by CWCY friend Tamar Birkhead. The place to start is changing interrogation tactics and assuring all questioning of suspects is electronically recorded. W
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Detroit hit man takes the 5th at key court hearing
Associated Press - April 28, 2011
Fascinating turn in the Davontae Sanford case. Vincent Smothers, the hitman who has already revealed his involvement in the murder, has waived attorney-client privilege and will allow his former attorney to testify that he admitted committing the quadruple murder. It should also be revealed that Sanford and nothing to do with it. Sanford was just 14 when he confessed and later pled guilty to the double murder.
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Supporters of Convicted Felon Rally Outside Courthouse, Say He's Innocent
NBC - April 25, 2011
The latest on the Daniel Villegas case. The CWCY has studied this case closely and believe that his confession is entirely unreliable. He was just 16 when he confessed, and he has spent more than 18 years in prison.
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Lapointe's Raw Deal: 'A Perversion Of Justice'
Hartford Courant - April 24, 2011
The frustrating tale of Richard Lapointe, who most objective observers believe falsely confessed. Even the former chief of police agrees. Lapointe was not a juvenile, but it is a compelling story worth learning about.
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Hearing postponed for Daniel Villegas
El Paso Times - April 23, 2011
This article notes that Daniel Villegas recently passed a lie detector test "with flying colors." While those results may not be admissible at a trial, they could be admissible at the hearing.
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Top SC cop: SC should videotape interrogations
Associated Press - April 15, 2011
Top cop in South Carolina takes the correct position on electronic recording of interrogations. Well done.
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Westchester OKs $6.5M settlement for Deskovic in wrongful murder conviction
Lohud - April 13, 2011
Well-deserved settlement for Jeffrey Deskovic, who falsely confessed at the age of 17.
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Court Rings False Note on False Confessions
New York Law Journal - April 11, 2011
Interesting article on false confessions from a NY legislator. Love how he says that false confessions "could happen to you." Juveniles are more susceptible, but a coercive police interrogation can get almost anyone to confess to something they didn't do.
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Video shows teen sobbing as parents beg him to confess to murder
ABC Action News - April 11, 2011
Fascinating video and story showing how parents can actually help cajole their kids into confessing to police. This highlights the fact that parental presence is not a panacea for the problem of juvenile confessions.
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One way to prevent wrongful convictions: Taping police questioning reduces false confessions
Philadelphia Inquirer - April 11, 2011
PA urged to start recording custodial interrogations by former prosecutor.
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Brain changes in adolescence increase likelihood of risky behavior
KSBA - April 10, 2011
Updated research on why juveniles engage in risky behavior.
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Fixing the Mistake with Young Offenders
New York Times - April 03, 2011
A terrific editorial from the Campaign for Youth Justice highlighting the mistake of transferring too many kids to stand trial as adults.
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New York’s High Court Attacks False Confessions
New York Times - April 01, 2011
In a unanimous decision, the NY high court speaks fluently about false and contaminated confessions. Recognizing that the only way wrongfully convicted Douglas Warney could have known facts only the true killer would have known is by getting fed them by police, New York allows his civil suit to go forward.
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Court Allows Man Who Falsely Confessed to Murder to Seek Money from the State
Gotham Gazette - April 01, 2011
New York is home to more proven false confessions than any other state except Illinois, yet progress on reforming interrogation procedures has been glacial in the Empire State. Perhaps the ice is slowly melting. The Warney case before the Court of Appeals is the kind of case that opens eyes to the problem of police contamination – eyes not only on the high court but throughout the judiciary. Below is a column by a state trial court judge that if widely read could cause trial court judges to think twice about admitting confessions.
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Argument recap: The future of Miranda
Scotus Blog - March 23, 2011
A recap of the USSCT argument in J.D.B. The CWCY filed an amicus brief in support of the minor.
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A toast to all who wrote the death-penalty abolition story
A toast to all who wrote the death-penalty abolition story - March 09, 2011
It is a great day in Illinois as the death penalty has been abolished. Wrongful convictions are the primary reason -- the risk of executing the innocent is just too great. Tons of great articles out today, but this is my favorite thus far. We are proud to know so many of the people who made this happen.
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Court Considers Who's Responsible for False Confession
Gotham Gazette - March 04, 2011
New York, and other states, prohibit exonerees who falsely confessed from receiving compensation because they were responsible for their own confession. Of course, they wouldn't have confessed if not for police coercion and contamination. The New York high court is addressing this question in the case of Douglas Warney
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Judge allows testimony from lawyer specializing in false confessions at Michael Jacques Macedonia Church arson trial
The Republican - March 03, 2011
A Massachusetts federal court allows an expert to testify on false confessions.
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Judge tosses teen’s confession
Telegram - March 01, 2011
An excellent decision suppressing 16-year-old girl's murder confession. The teen was convinced by her interrogators that if she confessed she could walk out. The actual decision is posted in our library and can be found by searching under Massachusetts.
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Convicting the Innocent: Where Criminal Prosecutions Go Wrong
Univ. of Virginia - March 01, 2011
I could get lost on this Web site for hours, which is the companion to Brandon Garrett's forthcoming book from Harvard Univ. Press called Convicting the Innocent. Just an unbelievable amount of information on this cite, which is sure to be invaluable to practitioners. Much thanks to Mr. Garrett for his incredibly detailed work.
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Peter Reilly: Law Should Require Interrogations Be Taped
Hartford Courant - February 27, 2011
Peter Reilly, who falsely confessed and was wrongfully convicted as a teenager, wants CT to institute the mandatory electronic recording of police interrogations.
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Los Angeles judge finds confession was coerced, frees murder defendant
Los Angeles Times - February 18, 2011
19-year-old found to have falsely confessed by trial court judge in L.A.
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Attorney's argue to suppress teen's statements, confession
Effingham Daily News - February 16, 2011
The voluntariness and reliability of a 15-year-old's confession is called into doubt during pa re-trial hearing.
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Police revoke charges against East Jerusalem teen allegedly beaten by police during detainment
Haaretz - February 15, 2011
An Israeli teen falsely confesses due to police coercion.
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Wrongfully convicted man puts lost chances to good use Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/03/2049833/man-puts-lost-chances-to-good.html#ixzz1DfM2u4Gj
Miami Herald - February 04, 2011
The inspiring story of Barney Brown's return to the high school he should of attended 41 yeears later before he got locked up in 1970 for a crime he didn't commit.
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Ellis works to halt wrongful convictions: Legislator says judicial reforms are widely supported
Houston Chronicle - February 03, 2011
A great bill being pushed by the TX legislature.
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U-M law clinic: Records prove convicted killer Mark Craighead is innocent after all
Detroit Free Press - February 03, 2011
The Michigan legislature keeps rejecting bills requiring the mandatory electronic recording of interrogations. Here may be yet another, in a long line, of false confessions by Michigan citizens.
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Interrogation Legislation
Bismark Manden News - January 12, 2011
Watch this video which notes that a Republican legislator in North Dakota has introduced legislation to electronically record interrogations. It is good to see law enforcement recognizing the benefits of doing so.
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Illinois legislature votes to abolish death penalty; governor's OK not assured
Chicago Tribune - January 12, 2011
Here's hoping Governor Quinn does the right thing and the historic legislation abolishing the death penalty in Illinois will become law shortly. The legislature passed the bill in large measure because of the risk of convicting the innocent, repeatedly citing the recent false confessions of Kevin Fox and Jerry Hobbs where the State sought the death penalty.
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Watch police video of 13-year-old boy's interrogation
Detroit Free Press - January 11, 2011
This is a must-watch. Police interrogate of a 13 year old boy who denies any knowledge that his father sexually abused family members. Police finally convince him his father did do it. This family just won a 1.6 million dollar settlement because father did nothing.
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Convicted Murderer Maintains Innocence
NBC - January 06, 2011
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Convicted Murderer Maintains Innocence
NBC - January 06, 2011
Watch this video to learn more about Daniel Villegas' case.
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After 19 years in prison for girl’s murder, Juan Rivera goes free
Chicago Sun Times - January 06, 2011
Another teenage false confession on the board in Illinois. Juan Rivera, 19 when he confessed, is finally released long after he should have been. The work done on this case by my colleagues at the CWC, and so many others, was nothing short of extraordinary.
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Three years after Banita Jacks, how much has changed?
Washington Post - January 01, 2011
An interesting story criticizing the questioning of a child from a different point of view. Shows how an investigators motive ultimately determines the information you get from a child. Children need to be questioned with open ended questions, without leading.
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Perspective on Neurolinguistic Programming
Police Chief Magazine - December 30, 2010
Police think they can tell when a suspect is lying. They use this to continue to interrogate someone despite their claims of innocence. The truth is, they are no better than chance or anyone else. And this article in Police Chief magazine backs that up.
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DNA and Justice Denied
The Nation - December 27, 2010
More and more often authorities the prosecution is refusing to agree to DNA testing even when there is DNA available to test. Or ignoring the results when DNA testing is exculpatory. Why is this happening?
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Videotaped confessions helping prosecutors win Oakland cases
Oakland Tribune - December 26, 2010
Another example of how videotaping interrogations helps law enforcement. This is a reform that benefits everyone.
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aped Interrogations: Syracuse police should explain resistance, or drop it
Syracuse Press - December 21, 2010
Syracuse Police Department was way ahead of the curve as far as recording interrogations goes. And then they got burned. A judge, upon viewing a recorded interrogation, could not reconcile the differences between the way the interrogation was characterized (and sanitized) in a police report and the way it appeared on tape. The tape also showed police contaminating the confession of the suspect by formatting the story they wanted the suspect to confess to. The court suppressed the confession. And since 1988, the Syracuse Police Department has opposed recording. The same thing happened in Connecticut with the Peter Reilly case. Embarrassed by the highly coercive tactics used to extract Reilly’s confession to murdering his mother, instead of re-training its officers, Connecticut authorities stopped recording interrogations. What Syracuse and Connecticut authorities are essentially saying is “we don’t want to record because we want to be able to lie about what really happened in our reports and in court.” The situation has gotten so bad in Syracuse that even the DA is thinking about asking judges to draw a negative inference from the failure to record.
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New York State Guidelines for Recording Custodial Interrogations of Suspects
December 15, 2010
The New York state guidelines issuing calls for electronic recording also say something interesting about interrogating juveniles: they suggest that juveniles receive enhanced Miranda warnings, an acknowledgment that juveniles do not understand Miranda warnings as traditionally given.
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New York district attorneys back police videotaping interrogations
Syracuse Press - December 15, 2010
Another article suggesting that it is time right for the NY legislature to enact electronic recording legislation, just like 18 other states.
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NY protocols backed for videotaping interrogations
Wall Street Journal - December 12, 2010
Prosecutors, the Attorney General's office, and the police are all coming out in favor of mandating electronic recording of custodial interrogations in New York. A wonderful development.
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Prosecution stays silent at Texas death penalty hearing
Chron - December 06, 2010
Weird games being played by the prosecution at death penalty hearing in Texas, where defense attorneys are arguing that the death penalty is unconstitutional due to the risk of executing the innocent (which has happened in TX twice).
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Truth and Plea Bargains
New York Times - December 04, 2010
We know individuals plead guilty to crimes they didn't commit. We applaud Attorney General Holder's decision to promote post-conviction DNA testing, when available, in these cases. In IL, you are precluded from seeking DNA testing in these cases, but that must change.
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Murder verdict against Ryan Ferguson relied on confused confessor Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/12/04/2497671/ferguson-day-one.html#ixzz17LP9VZa7
Kansas City Star - December 04, 2010
The troubling conviction of Ryan Ferguson and the false confession of Chuck Erikson. Renowned false confession expert -- Dr. Richard Leo -- "is convinced" Ryan Ferguson is innocent. Erikson was in his teens when he made his statement.
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Prosecutors offer plea deals in NJ child rape case Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/12/03/prosecutors-offer-plea-deals-nj-child-rape-case/#ixzz17LKHDNpc
Fox New Jersey - December 03, 2010
This New Jersey case, involving multiple statements of juveniles (including by the 15-year-old sister of the seven-year-old victim), appears to be unraveling. Was this seven-year-old girl even assaulted? Very troubling case.
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Illinois v. Becker
IL Supreme Court - December 02, 2010
IL Supreme Court says expert testimony on suggestibility of children is inadmissible. In doing so, it analogizes to its previous decision in Gilliam that expert testimony on an individual's particular susceptibility to police interrogation and the likelihood of making a false confession is common sense. The court is wrong. Numerous studies show that jurors do not understand individuals do falsely confess (or make false implications), so expert testimony on this subject is essential to educate jurors on this fact.
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Eye of the Hurricane
December 01, 2010
Hurricane Ruben Carter is writing a new book, and in it he chronicles the case of David McCallum, a client of the Center. Read the book and learn the story of both men.
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Ex-murder suspect sues police, alleges cops forced false confession
Chicago Tribune - December 01, 2010
Good luck to Jerry Hobbs, who falsely confessed to the murder of his daughter and her friend and was locked up for 5+ years fighting the case, in his civil rights lawsuit.
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Rush to Judgment: Trying Kids As Adults
Jackson Free Press - December 01, 2010
A fantastic article highlighting the false confession and wrongful conviction of Tyler Edmonds, a 13-year-old in Mississippi. The author does a fantastic job of demonstrating how the particular susceptibility of youth to wrongful conviction and false confession relates to the problem of transferring kids to adult courts. See our position paper on transfer from the top left link of our home page.
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Least Powerful, Most Timid Branch
CT Law Tribune - November 29, 2010
Another in a series of pleas to the policy-makers in CT to require electronic recording of custodial interrogations.
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The legacy of the Brenton Butler case
Florida Times-Union - November 21, 2010
Hard to believe that it was ten years ago that Brenton Butler went on trial for a murder he did not commit based on a false and coerced confession and faulty i.d. testimony. The case became the subject of an Academy Award winning film -- Murder on a Sunday Morning – and has led to significant changes in the interrogation practices of Jacksonville officers. Whereas they once opposed electronic recording, it is now standard practice in homicide case. It’s time to make the Butler cases legacy extend to the rest of the state.
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Man Says Coerced Confession Convicted Him Of Double Murder
ABC El Paso - November 18, 2010
The story of Daniel Villegas and his confession at the age of 16 is chronicled.
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Taped Confessions: Memphis Police Under Scrutiny
Fox Tennessee - November 18, 2010
A call for electronic recording of interrogations in Tennessee, including a plea from a District Attorney appropriately named Champion.
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UA Press author investigates ‘Tucson Four’ in book, Friday reading
AZ Daily Wildcat - November 17, 2010
A nice article on the Tucson Four (a notorious AZ coerced confession case) with calls for recording and reforms to interrogation practices.
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False confessions often an escape
Clarion Ledger - November 15, 2010
Phillip Bivens, who not only falsely confessed but falsely pled guilty and testified against someone else, is profiled in this article. Bivens spent 30 years in prison for a murder he did not commit.
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Eight Myths of Justice
New York Times - November 12, 2010
A phenomenal review of Jim Petro's new book on wrongful convictions. Jim Petro, a Republican attorney general of Ohio, had his awakening to the frequency of wrongful convictions just recently.
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SCPD Adds Videotaping to Interrogations
Sachem Patch - November 11, 2010
It is time for the entire state of New York to follow Suffolk County's lead and begin recording all interrogations. New York has seen far too many false confessions, especially from juveniles.
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Investigators must not be allowed to interrogate children alone
Staten Island Advance - November 09, 2010
An editorial lamenting the disappointing decision of the New York high court declaring that statements of a 13 year old made outside the presence of his parents or an attorney were voluntary. It was a closely divided court that made this decision (4-3).
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New hearing ordered for 3 in Ark. scout deaths
Washington Post - November 04, 2010
Historic victory for the West Memphis 3. All three get an evidentiary hearing.
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B.C. man who spent 27 years in prison as serial rapist acquitted on all counts
Vancouver Sun - October 28, 2010
A great story of a Canadian wrongful conviction and prosecutors who went the extra mile to assure that real justice was done.
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House Bill Requires Federal Law Enforcement to Record Interrogations
Government Video - October 18, 2010
An update on the federal bill requiring electronic recording of interrogations.
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Freedom for an Innocent Man
Star Ledger - October 15, 2010
Look how easy it is to take multiple false confessions. Deeply disturbing that this can happen.
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Follow this example: Lackawanna lawman’s proudest day involved justice instead of an arrest
Buffalo News - October 14, 2010
Nice Op-ed Using Cop's retirement to push for recording reqt in NYC
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Taping Police Interrogations Should Be the Law
Hartford Courant - October 13, 2010
Another fine plea in a CT editorial to require electronic recording of police interrogations.
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An open-air loony bin; and false confessions
Journal Inquirer - October 09, 2010
A prominent editorialist in Connecticut calls for the mandatory electronic recording of interrogations.
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Judge rejects motion to put Bruce Lisker back in prison
Los Angeles Times - October 09, 2010
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Why Would Anyone Confess To A Crime They Didn't Commit?
PBS Frontline - October 05, 2010
Former NY detective (now private investigator) Jay Salpeter demonstrates how he could get anyone to confess.
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State Supreme Court Stops Short Of Requiring Police To Tape Interrogations
October 01, 2010
The Connecticut Supreme Court stops short of requiring electronic recording, punting to the legislature to make the decision. Several other states have mandated this reform through case law, and the CT court's rationale for failing to do so is unsatisfying.
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Innocent Texan released after almost 20 years in prison
M&G - September 29, 2010
A non-DNA exoneration of a teenage false confessor agreed to by the State. A rarity indeed. Glad to see Matthew Brodie going home.
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False Confessions: The View From the Bar Association
New York Times - September 23, 2010
Excellent letter to NY Times from the American Bar Association stating that youth are particularly vulnerable to false confessions and calling for the electronic recording of all police interrogations.
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Fingerprint could prove innocence for deaf inmate
AP Texas news - September 23, 2010
Teenage false confessor who subsequently pled guilty cleared of sexual assault through fingerprint evidence. The false guilty plea led to sex registration, which led to more prison for failing to register. The Texas legislature is considering reforms requiring electronic recording. They need it.
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Jerry Brown's office accused of playing politics over freed inmate
Los Angeles Times - September 17, 2010
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State lawyers want to postpone Lisker case until after election
Los Angeles Times - September 16, 2010
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Former FBI agent: Amanda Knox is innocent
CBS - September 02, 2010
Amanda Knox is getting support for her claim that she falsely confessed form unlikely allies: law enforcement.
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My kids' been arrested! Tips for what to do next
Janesville Gazette - August 31, 2010
Some troubling positions taken by the Janesville police department when it comes to investigating kids. It is clear that the police do not recognize that it is essential that you treat suspected kids differently than adults. If you are questioned by police, say you want to remain silent and say you want a lawyer.
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When the NFL Doesn't Give Second Chances
ESPN - August 30, 2010
Fascinating story of Tony Washington and how his sex offense as a 15-year-old has kept him on the sex offender registry and out of professional football. Great storytelling by Allison Glock -- you can really see how a kid would plead guilty, even if he was not truly guilty of what's said in the plea, for the short-term benefit of getting out of jail without being able to see the long-term consequences of the decision.
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Suspects who confess to police will have sentences cut
Telegraph - August 24, 2010
Interesting proposal from the U.K. that would have those who confess get lesser sentences. Promises of leniency are known to lead to false confessions, so this proposal is problematic for innocent defendants, especially youth.
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Wisconsin v. Dionicia M.
Wisconsin Appellate Court - August 24, 2010
A great case out of Wisconsin suppressing a juvenile's confession because the entirety of the interrogation was not recorded. A great application of Jerrell C.J., which mandated the requirement at the urging of an amicus filed by attorney Steve Drizin, founder of the CWCY.
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23-year-old's Confession Tossed Out
Kansas v. Stone - August 20, 2010
Not a juvenile case, but Kansas Supreme Court finds psychological coercion with use of lying to suspect about evidence and minimizing seriousness of conduct.
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N.C. court tosses confession of juvenile
North Carolina Appellate Court - August 18, 2010
Holding a juvenile was in custody for Miranda purposes in his school and suppressing the confession because the juvenile was not read his rights.
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The case of Jesse Friedman
U.S. Court of Appeals - 2nd Circuit - August 16, 2010
Although a three judge panel denies relief for Jesse Friedman, the subject of the film Capturing the Friedmans, it calls on prosecutors to revisit the suggestive and coercive interrogation tactics of alleged child "victims" of sexual assault and determine whether Jesse was coerced into pleading guilty and is actually innocent. See our link under "Cases We're Following" for more information.
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Lawyer Says It Never Had To Happen: Man confessed to murder he didn't commit
ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL - August 16, 2010
Another young, intellectually disabled man falsely confesses.
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House passes bill to require recording police interrogations
Michigan Messenger - August 12, 2010
A great editorial on the Michigan legislature's attempt to pass an electronic recording of interrogations bill.
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Source says Kezer settlement was $4 million
Southeast Missourian - August 12, 2010
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Kezer to get settlement in lawsuit against Scott County, former officials
Southeast Missourian - August 11, 2010
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Hobbs case proves flaws of interrogation
Chicago Sun Times - August 09, 2010
Nice editorial on false confessions and the Jerry Hobbs false confession case in the Sun Times. However, let's go further -- not only should all custodial interrogations be recorded, but let's record all police interactions with suspects, witnesses, and victims where feasible.
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Judge sends Cincinnati police detective to prison for false arrest
Cincinnati Equirer - August 08, 2010
This is an extreme situation but it does drive home the point that officers know they can get a teenager to confess whenever they want to.
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Murder conviction built on cop's lies, indictment says
7/30/2010 - August 05, 2010
The latest in the Tim Masters saga. The investigating detective comes under scrutiny and is facing charges.
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What we've learned from the Hobbs case (again)
Chicago Tribune - August 04, 2010
Lots of good articles coming out about the Jerry Hobbs exoneration in Lake County, IL. This one is short and very sweet. Don't automatically trust confessions if the interrogations are not recorded and you can review what happened. And if the science and other evidence points in a different direction, look in the other direction. Kids and others do falsely confess to even the most brutal of crimes. And it is not the fault of the confessor -- it is the fault of the police interrogators who capitalize on the individual's particular vulnerability at that time (Hobbs just discovered his daughter's lifeless body) and psychologically coerce them to implicate themselves.
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Strickland, Cordray: Test DNA in 7 cases
Columbus Dispatch - August 04, 2010
Bravo to the governor and attorney general of the State of Ohio for making this push to engage in post-conviction DNA testing. When the technology is available, there is no rationale reason not to engage in testing that can either confirm guilt or exonerate an innocent person.
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Adolescent Legal Competence in Court
Macarthur Foundation Research Network - August 01, 2010
A nice resource discussing how adolescent development affects juveniles during the court proceedings, including during interrogations.
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N.J. Supreme Court overturns sexual assault conviction of 14-year-old girl
NJ.com - July 29, 2010
A great case from the New Jersey Supreme Court that highlights the reason that parental presence during police interrogations of youth can be a double-edged sword. In this case, the court ruled that the 14-year-old defendant's confession was involuntary in part because her mother, who was present, was used essentially as an agent by the State and coerced the young child to make an involuntary statement.
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‘Zoloft case’ to be retried
The State - July 28, 2010
Michael Pittman, 12 when charged as an adult for a double murder, is awarded a new trial on appeal based on ineffective assistance of counsel. Studies have shown, including a recent article by Barbara Fedders available on this web site, that youth may receive inadequate representation at an even greater rate than adults. Ineffective assistance can lead to wrongful convictions of youth.
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No-snitch' code keeps shooters on streets
Chicago Tribune - July 27, 2010
The CWCY has advocated that police should electronically record not just interrogations, but interviews of witnesses as well, especially youth witnesses. We are delighted to see that Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez agrees, and that the practice is being implicated by the Chicago police department.
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Prosecutors forced false confessions from youth without guardians
The Hankyoreh - July 26, 2010
A wonderful description of the making of a juvenile false confession and a great ruling from a Korean court on the lack of credibility of the confession
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Hit man sentenced to 50 to 100 years for contract killings
Detroit Free Press - July 23, 2010
The hit man who committed the quadruple murder for which Davontae Sanford is serving time just got sentenced on other cases. He remains uncharged for the quadruple murder despite his confession, and Sanford remains behind bars for a crime he didn't commit.
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DePaul law clinics give students an education in real time
Chicago Tribune - July 14, 2010
The Depaul Law Clinic works to free Jerry Gillespie. Their reinvestigation has show that at 18, Gillespie falsely confessed to a murder for which he is still serving time.
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What causes people to give false confessions?
Chicago Tribune - July 11, 2010
A great examination of how a police interrogation can get anyone to falsely confess to the most unimaginable of crimes.
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Exonerated man from El Paso tries to help clear convicted killer Daniel Villegas
El Paso Times - July 09, 2010
Did Daniel Villegas, at age 16, falsely confess? Chris Ochoa, himself a false confessor at the age of 21, thinks so. Read the attached article which includes a wonderful explanation by Ochoa as to how the police can get you to admit to a brutal crime you did not commit.
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Louisiana Act 593 -- An Act amending the Children's Code
CWCY - July 08, 2010
The Louisiana legislature just took a nice step forward in acknowledging that confessions of youth must be carefully scrutinized to assure they are voluntary and reliable by passing Act 593.
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Gaps in Watchdog Journalism Reflected in News From a Trial
New York Times - July 04, 2010
The demise of investigative journalism is the focus of this article and what it means to the wrongfully convicted.
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Jim Broderick indicted on 8 perjury counts in Tim Masters case
Coloradan - July 01, 2010
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Teen seeks to void confession in slayings admitted to by hitman From The Detroit News:
Detroit News - June 30, 2010
The latest in the Davontae Sanford saga, a 14 year old boy who confessed and pled guilty despite his clear innocence. New DNA evidence connecting known hitman Vincent Smothers, as well as Smothers own confession that he acted alone, proves Sanford innocent, although the proseuction won't admit it. The defense seeks to allow the testimony of a police investigator who would testify that Sanford's confession is unreliable.
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Taping interrogations works -- let's do more
Chicago Sun Times - June 30, 2010
The conviction of torturer Jon Burge highlights yet again the need for electronic recording of all interrogations. This great Sun Times editorial calls on Illinois to broaden the recording requirement to all offenses.
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Confession isn’t the only factor
Boston Globe - June 27, 2010
A fascinating article highlighting the innocent prisoner's dilemna. What does a prisoner, who knows he is innocent, do when up for parole when any realistic chance at parole requires him to admit to the offense?
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William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe
PBS - June 23, 2010
Don't miss this incredible documentary about famous civil rights attorney William Kuntsler, produced and directed by his daughters Emily and Sarah. Among his many cases, Kuntsler valiantly represented Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Jogger defendants.
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Teen's confession called false: A 14-year-old girl falsely confessed to details in the high-profile 1990 Baby Lollipops murder, a former Miami Beach police sergeant testified
Miami Herald - June 18, 2010
It is always a good practice to test the veracity of a teen's confession, as they are notoriously unreliable. Here, police don't pursue charges against a 14-year-old who confessed to killing a baby because the 14 year old was willing to confess to facts that were objectively untrue.
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Kezer: Faith helped him stay on the right path
Southeast Missourian - June 14, 2010
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Joshua Kezer to talk about life as a free man Sunday at Centenary United Methodist Church
Southeast Missourian - June 10, 2010
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Timothy Masters, Fort Collins Settle For $5.9 Million
Huffington Post - June 08, 2010
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Concepcion Trial Final Witness
CBS3 - June 08, 2010
Dr. Antoinette Kavanaugh testifies about youth's susceptibility to false confessions in the Edgar Concepcion, Jr. case.
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Language differences remain key to Concepcion defense
Globe Gazette - June 04, 2010
Language differences may have played a role in 15-year-old Edward Concepcion Jr.'s confession, which attorneys are claiming is false.
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John Terzano: Recording Interrogations Is a Public Safety Imperative
Huffington Post - May 19, 2010
Another call to electronically record the entirety of interrogations. Frank Sterling, the latest confessor to be exonerated.
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Hit man told police 'wrong guy' caught in 4 deaths
Associated Press - May 13, 2010
Officer testifies that Vincent Smothers, a hit man, told authorities that they got the wrong guy in the Davontae Sanford case.
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Greene: Force-fed confession is the only "evidence" in sex-assault case
Denver Post - April 29, 2010
19-year-old Tyler Sanchez confesses to a sexual assault, but DNA, among other things, proves he didn't do it. The prosecution, however, presses forward with charges.
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Case of teenage militant moves toward tribunal trial
LA Times - April 28, 2010
Did 15-year-old Omar Khadr falsely confess to terrorist acts under abhorent conditions and interrogation tactics? The case goes to a military tribunal shortly.
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Cop: Teen's confession in 4 slayings unreliable
The Argus Press - April 23, 2010
One retired police officer has already stepped forward to find an alibi, and now a second police officer has raised questions about the police investigation.
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Nearly 2 decades later, man wants case for freedom heard
El Paso Times - April 11, 2010
Daniel Villegas may have falsely confessed at age 16 to a double murder of two teenagers. 17 years later, he wants a hearing to prove that is the case.
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Lawyers wrangle to represent 13-year-old murder suspect
Des Moines Register - March 30, 2010
The debate over counsel of choice for 13-year-old Jacen Pearson accused of killing his step-father continues to play out.
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Broward man exonerated after 26 years in prison
Miami Herald - March 25, 2010
Anthony Caravella, 15 years' old at the time of his false confession, becomes the 252nd DNA exoneree.
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Hearing in case of teen's murder includes detail that drunken 16-year-old was told lie, confess to police
Grand Rapids Press - March 16, 2010
A 16-year-old falsely confessed in this case once. Do they have the right men now?
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Cop: No link between alleged hit man, imprisoned teen
freep.com - March 16, 2010
Even the cops don't think there is a link between 14-year-old Davontae Sanford, who is locked up for a quadruple murder, and the recent confession of a known adult hitman.
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UPDATE: Cellmate's deposition & 427 page "motivation" document may clear Amanda Knox
Seattle Times - March 09, 2010
The latest on American Amanda Knox, known in Italy as Foxy Knoxy and who very well might have falsely confessed at the age of 20 to the murder of Merideth Kurcher.
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Father sues sheriff, school over boy's false confession in dog killing
KVAL.com - February 25, 2010
The police get an 11-year-old falsely confess to shooting a dog. This is particularly noteworthy in that the majority of known false confessions are in murder cases, but we long suspect that they happen routinely in lesser cases that fly under the radar.
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Johnny Depp Turns Defender of Convicted Murderers
E Online - February 23, 2010
The West Memphis 3 continue to get celebrity support for their innocence.
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My Kind of Town: A Play About the Chicago Police Torture Scandal by John Conroy
youtube - February 22, 2010
Many young suspects have been the vicitm of police torture in Chicago. Come see a reading of John Conroy's new play at Northwestern on March 8!
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State innocence panel finally delivers justice
Greensboro N.C. - February 19, 2010
The North Carolina Innocence Panel, the only of its kind in the country, exonerates its first person. This type of independent review board for innocence claims is something other states sould consider.
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NYPD launches plan to interview suspects on film
Brooklyn Daily Eagle - February 19, 2010
After many proven false confessions, the NYPD finally institutes a pilot project to record interrogations. The CWCY agrees with the quote from the article: "If the purpose of a trial is the determination of the truth, there can be no legitimate objection to a jury or the public learning the complete, relevant facts."
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Jacen Paul Pearson, 12 yrs old, charged in the murder of his stepfather, Todd Peek
Victim's Heartland - February 17, 2010
We don't know if this 12-year-old charged with murder in Iowa is an innocence case, but it seems his constitutional rights to counsel of choice is being violated.
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Boy, 12, faces grown up murder charges
CNN - February 10, 2010
A young boy, who some say is innocent, facing very grown up charges.
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Web site for Jeremy Sheets
January 01, 2010
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Victims' parents remain divided over West Memphis 3 case
CNN - December 28, 2009
Even some of the victims' parents think the West Memphis 3 should get a new trial.
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Bruce Lisker files suit alleging that LAPD detectives framed him
Los Angeles Times - December 23, 2009
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Florida Man is Freed After 35 Years
Florida Innocence Project - December 17, 2009
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Man exonerated, freed from prison after 35 years
CNN - December 17, 2009
Read this truly tragic story about the wrongful conviction of James Bain, who was just 19 at the time he was wrongfully convicted of raping a nine-year-old boy. He was imprisoned for 35 years before his exoneration by DNA.
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James Bain, Florida Man, Exonerated After 35 Years Behind Bars
Huffington Post - December 17, 2009
Finally, after 35 years of waiting, James Bain is exonerated by DNA evidence.
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Prosecute the Prosecutors
Jackson Free Press (editorial) - December 09, 2009
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Willis to be Compensated for ‘Egregious’ Prosecution
Jackson Free Press - December 08, 2009
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Most Effective Lawyers: Criminal Justice Finalists
Daily Business Review - December 07, 2009
The story of how the hard work of three lawyers freed Barney Brown after 39 years for a crime he did not commit at the age of 13.
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Recorded interrogation mandate controversial
Connecticut Record-Journal - December 03, 2009
Police pleased with pilot program requiring recording interrogations; Connecticut courts considering mandating the practice throughout the state.
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Developmental Psychologist Says Teenagers Are Different
New York Times - December 01, 2009
A leading psychologist, Laurence Steinberg, talks about how adolescents are different and more susceptible to police-induced false confessions.
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Texas Appeals Court Rejects Appeal Of Innocent Man On Death Row For 28 Years
ACLU -- Texas Innocence Network - November 18, 2009
Although not a juvenile case, a true injustice in a death penalty case. The lower court doesn't allow the defense to enter into evidence media reports into evidence to prove that the information in the defendant's confession was in the public domain, and the court calls this harmless error. That is the only way to prove a confession is unreliable.
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Judge Says Murder Defendant Jailed for 18 Years is Innocent
New York Law Journal - November 13, 2009
Judge exonerates Fernando Bermudez without exculpatory DNA, finding that the prosecutor should have known that the 5 teens that implicated Bermudez gave perjured testimony.
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A defendant's words, on video
Times Union - November 10, 2009
This article includes some interesting quotes from jurors as to how they perceive videotaped confessions. Demonstrates that videotaped interrogations aid the prosecution as much (if not more so) than the defense, although it is essential that the entire interrogation is recorded, not merely the confession.
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Incarcerated for 15 years, but is he guilty?
Peoria Journal Star - November 07, 2009
A more detailed account of the case of Christopher Coleman, who was likely wrongfully convicted based upon the police-induced false statements of a 12-year-old. 15 years' later, the now 27-year-old has recanted.
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Alibi witness surfaces in Davontae Sanford's bid for new trial in dope house murders
Detroit Crime Examiner - November 06, 2009
More evidence pointing to Davontae Sanford's confession and guilty plea being false.
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Syracuse teen admits false confession to shooting
Examiner.com - November 05, 2009
Ja-Le Johnson pleads guilty to hindering prosecution after making a false confession. Although not clear if this was a police-induced false confession, is this really how we want to handle teens who falsely confess when we know they are particularly vulnerable to do so?
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Chicago detectives recording some witnesses' statements
Chicago Tribune - November 04, 2009
A good start by some Chicago areas, however it essential to record the witness' entire interaction with the police, especially when the witness is a youth.
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Man's conviction at issue in hearing
Peoria Journal Star - October 29, 2009
Was Christopher Coleman wrongfully convicted based on the false statement of a 12-year-old?
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Ordeal not over for wrongly accused teen
Chicago Sun Times - October 29, 2009
A good discussion how being wrongfully accused of a crime effects a teenager.
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Unyielding in His Innocence, Now a Free Man
New York Times - October 28, 2009
18 years' old when first accused, Dewey Bozella finally exonerated at the age of 50.
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Innocent man freed after four years in prison
The Times-Picayune - October 25, 2009
DNA frees Christopher Lindsey after he falsely confessed at 18. Lindsey said he confessed after police told him what to say off camera, and, after the lengthy interrogation, actually thought he did it.
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Two Men Exonerated and Released from Death Row in Oklahoma
Equal Justice Initiative - October 13, 2009
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Two More Exonerations Stress the Need for Credible Evidence
Huffington Post - October 12, 2009
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Torn by 3 Lost Boys and 3 Convicted Youths
New York Times - October 11, 2009
The New York Times explains that more evidence is coming to light that the three convicted adolescence in West Memphis are innocent.
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Videos expected to reduce false confessions
WCAX.com Vermont - October 10, 2009
New York continuing to look into video recording interrogations.
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2 Ex-death Row Inmates Released From Okla. Prison
CBS News - October 05, 2009
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The D.A.'s unwarranted slap at Bruce Lisker
Los Angeles Times - September 23, 2009
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DNA Frees Man Convicted of Murder
AOL News - August 20, 2009
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Innocent Man Freed, But Shabby Prosecutor Still Works as Judge
Reason - August 17, 2009
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For Bruce Lisker, a 'surreal' return to society
Los Angeles Times - August 14, 2009
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DNA clears Conn. man of killing after 20 years
The Boston Globe - August 06, 2009
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DNA Frees Accused Killer, Rapist After 21 Years
New Haven Independent - August 05, 2009
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A Supreme Court Nomination Stirs Up Bad Memories
The New York Times - June 09, 2009
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Justice for an Autistic Teenager
Wellsville Daily Reporter - June 04, 2009
The story of the false confession and false guilty plea of Chris Garis as told by his mother.
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Alan Crotzer to Testify Before Congressional Subcommittee on Indigent Defense
Innocence Project of Florida - June 03, 2009
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Man arrested for murder when 13 is exonerated
Chicago Breaking News Center - May 04, 2009
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