Wrongly imprisoned Dallas inmate joins push for forensic funds

[sonias]

Dallas Morning News 1/23/08
Wrongly imprisoned Dallas inmate joins push for forensic funds

Freed after DNA test in Dallas rape, ex-inmate attends D.C. hearing

WASHINGTON – One month ago, Charles Chatman was sitting in a Texas prison cell, serving a 27-year term for a Dallas rape he always maintained he had nothing to do with. Three weeks ago, he was in a Dallas courtroom, hearing a judge free him based on a new DNA test.

On Wednesday, he was at the U.S. Senate – Exhibit A at a hearing into why the Justice Department has yet to spend millions set aside to improve forensic science.

On his first trip outside Texas, he was treated like a celebrity by lawmakers and by others who've also been wrongly imprisoned – the latest example of what can go wrong when the justice system makes a mistake.

"When I think of where I was three weeks ago, it's amazing," Mr. Chatman said during a break in the hearing. "It's an experience I never dreamed I'd have, to sit in Congress."

Wonderful story plus the photo slideshow "The Exonerated" is fantastic. I can only imagine how many innocent people are sitting in our jails right now - especially in Texas. The worst state in the country for indigent defense.

:cry:


Sonia