The presentation of bite mark evidence resulting in the acquittal of a man after serving seven years in prison for murder.
On 25 Feb. 1974, a 63-year old woman was robbed and murdered in her home. A suspect was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to from 25 years to life. A bite mark was found on the woman's body, but was not used as evidence in the trial. The supreme Court overturned the conviction on a technicality and a second trial was held. The second trial ended in a hung jury; therefore, a third trial was held. Before the third trial, I was enlisted to develop the evidence concerning the bite mark. After three months of evaluation, I informed the prosecution that the suspect did not make the bite mark on the victim. The prosecution sought the advice of the other odontologist with the State Police and he stated that the suspect did make the bite mark. Therefore, I testified for the defense. The third trial ended in an acquittal. Bite mark evidence was the main theme of the third trial for both the prosecution and the defense.
D000328:Adult; D001733:Bites and Stings; D001734:Bites, Human; D005553:Forensic Dentistry; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D008297:Male