Canadian Murder Conviction Overturned
by TChris
James Driskell was convicted of murdering a Winnipeg man, Perry Harder, after prosecutors convinced a jury that the victim's hair was found in Driskell's van. Hair analysis before DNA was about as sophisticated as "Shucks, sure looks to me like it's the same hair."
But DNA tests in 2002 showed the hair did not belong to Harder, and key witnesses at Driskell's trial, who were paid for their testimony, have since recanted or threatened to recant their statements, the federal government said.
The prosecution and police also withheld evidence from Driskell's lawyers.
Justice Minister Irwin Cotler overturned Driskell's conviction. Cotler ordered a new trial, but Manitoba's Justice Department won't pursue one. Driskell, who has been free since 2003 while his conviction was under review, spent about 12 years in prison before his release.
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