From the joint National Public Radio/Pro Publica/FrontLine investigative series on post-mortem investigations in the United States, NPR’s series on wrongful convictions: one report, that of Ernie Lopez, appears to have led to the Texas courts to order Mr. Lopez released pending a new trial. Mr. Lopez was convicted of the murder and sexual assault of a six-month old child Mr. Lopez and his wife were caring for. The government’s case seems to have relied on junk forensic science; Mr. Lopez’s lawyers did not call to testify, and may not even have consulted, any scientific witnesses.

Free, But Not Cleared: Ernie Lopez Comes Home. Here’s the initial report on cases involving child deaths, including that of Ernie Lopez: The Child Cases: Guilty Until Proved Innocent.

Cross-posted on The Discovery Strategist Blog.