Wrongful Convictions in Canada
by TChris
William Mullins-Johnson of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, spent 12 years in prison for raping and strangling his 4 year old niece. No forensic evidence connected him to the crime. His conviction rested on the testimony of a pathologist, Dr. Charles Smith, whose testimony in 40 cases of "suspicious" child deaths is now under review.
Two experts, including Ontario's chief pathologist, now say [the niece] was never sexually abused or strangled. They argue she in fact died of natural causes, possibly from choking on her own vomit caused by a chronic stomach ailment.
Justice Minister Irwin Cotler ordered Mullins-Johnson released on bail while he decides whether to quash the guilty verdict and order a new trial, return the case to the Ontario Court of Appeal, or dismiss Mullins-Johnson's request for review.
Mullins-Johnson isn't the only person who may have suffered a wrongful conviction in the Canadian system of criminal justice.
Also on hand for the bail hearing was Newfoundlander Ron Dalton, who spent more than eight years in jail for killing his wife even though her death was an accident.
The linked article lists several other convicted Canadians who have been exonerated or who have strong claims of innocence.
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