Legal Commentary

Bite Mark ID Leads to Wrongful Conviction

By TChris

Bite mark identification evidence is "sham science and glorified guesswork."

Critics say human skin changes and distorts imprints until they are nearly unrecognizable. ... Since 2000, at least eight people in five states who were convicted largely on bite-mark identification have been exonerated, according to the Innocence Project.

In the case of Robert Lee Stinson, "two forensic odontologists testified that Stinson's teeth were a match [with bite marks on the homicide victim's body], even though Stinson was apparently missing a tooth in a place where the bite marks indicated a tooth." Nonetheless, Stinson would likely not have been freed from his life sentence (imposed in 1985) if not for new DNA evidence. DNA on the victim's sweater didn't match Stinson's.

Stinson has been awarded a new trial, although there's some likelihood that the case will be dismissed. Kudos to the Wisconsin Innocence Project for its diligent work on Stinson's behalf.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on February 01, 2009 (boomark / email).