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Judge finds forensic scientist Henry Lee liable for fabricating evidence in murder case

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Summary

Famed forensic scientist Henry Lee was found liable for fabricating evidence in a murder case that sent two Connecticut men to prison for decades for a crime they did not commit. The men filed a federal wrongful conviction lawsuit against Lee, eight police investigators, and the town of New Milford. The judge granted a motion for summary judgement against Lee, meaning the only outstanding issue for a jury in his case will be the amount of damages. Lee is the former head of the state's forensic laboratory and now a professor emeritus at the University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. Tests done after the trial showed the substance Lee said was blood was not actually blood. The men were granted probation and a new trial in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Q&As

What felony murder convictions were vacated in 2020?
The felony murder convictions of Ralph “Ricky” Birch and Shawn Henning were vacated in 2020.

What testimony was presented at the 1989 trial of Ralph “Ricky” Birch and Shawn Henning?
Testimony was presented at the 1989 trial of Ralph “Ricky” Birch and Shawn Henning about what Henry Lee said were bloodstains on a towel found in the 65-year-old's home in New Milford.

What evidence did forensic scientist Henry Lee provide in the trial?
Henry Lee provided evidence that it was possible for the assailants to avoid getting much blood on them, and that a towel found in a bathroom near the crime scene had stains that he tested and were consistent with blood.

What did a judge rule on Friday regarding Henry Lee's involvement in the murder case?
The judge ruled that Henry Lee was liable for fabricating evidence in the murder case and granted a motion for summary judgement against Lee. The only outstanding issue for a jury in his case will be the amount of damages.

What has Henry Lee's work in other cases come under scrutiny for?
Henry Lee's work in other cases has come under scrutiny for taking evidence from the crime scene.

AI Comments

👍 The judge's ruling on Friday upholds the integrity of the judicial system and ensures that justice is served.

👎 It's a travesty that it took decades to overturn a wrongful conviction due to fabricated evidence by Henry Lee.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about a famous forensic scientist named Henry Lee who has been found liable for fabricating evidence in a murder case that sent two men to prison for decades for a crime they did not commit.

Friend: That's really concerning. It seems like a huge injustice.

Me: Yes, it definitely is. It highlights how forensic evidence can be tampered with and lead to wrongful convictions. It also raises questions about the trustworthiness of forensic science and the reliability of expert testimony in criminal cases.

Action items

Research the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences to learn more about the field of forensic science.
Follow the case of Ralph “Ricky” Birch and Shawn Henning to learn more about wrongful convictions and the legal process.
Reach out to organizations that work to prevent wrongful convictions and learn how to get involved in their efforts.

Technical terms

Fabricating Evidence: Making up or altering evidence to support a particular argument or outcome.
Vacated: To annul or make void; to cancel or reverse a legal decision.
Summary Judgement: A judgement entered by a court for one party and against another party without a full trial.
Damages: Money paid by one party to another in compensation for a loss or injury.
Emeritus: A title given to a retired professor, pastor, or other professional, indicating that they retain their title as an honor.
Consultant: An expert who provides advice or services for a fee.
Felony Murder: A type of murder in which the perpetrator is guilty of a felony, such as robbery or burglary, and a death occurs during the commission of the crime.
TMB Blood Test: A test used to detect the presence of blood.