U-M prof insists wrong man executed for 1980 murder

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.mlive.com/news/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-13/112316464478910.xml&coll=2

When University of Michigan law professor Sam Gross agreed to lead an investigation of a 25-year-old murder case in Missouri, he knew little more than that the attorney who defended Larry Griffin still maintained he was innocent, despite Griffin's conviction.

Quickly, his inquiry found that many in the St. Louis community where the murder took place agreed that Griffin wasn't the killer.

Then, investigators working with Gross turned up an eyewitness who offered new information. They spoke to the police officer who testified at the trial, and he changed his story.

In writing his report, Gross had no doubt that an innocent man had been convicted. Earlier this summer, a coalition that included a congressman and the murder victim's family used the report to convince the top prosecutor in St. Louis to reopen the official investigation of the murder.

[wli]

1. no big surprise

It's all "plea bargains" and mandatory sentencing, and racially biased prosecution.

[Noxmtbnk]

2. I heard about this on NPR

Seems like the really wanted a conviction and just pinned it on anyone they could.

[MadHound]

3. Just one more reason we should ban the death penalty.

Innocent people can't be brought back to life.

[wakeme2008]

4. This is the main reason I am against the DP.

:(