The Failed Pacifist

DNA analyst suspended for errors in 1993

Jeffrey Ban, an analyst at the Virginia state crime lab, has been temporarily suspended from some types of cases because of errors made during DNA testing done in 1993 regarding Earl Washington Jr, who was a death row inmate at the time.

Though the 1993 test did cast enough doubt on Mr. Washington's guilt to spur the Governor to commute the death sentence to life in prison, it wasn't until 2000 that another test conclusively showed Mr. Washington to be innocent. "He's had seven years in prison because of (Ban's) mistakes." one of Mr. Washington's attorneys is quoted as saying.

Audits of the 1993 test show that "The DNA typing results offered in this case should have, at best, been reported as inconclusive, rather than attempting to make an interpretation from poor quality information". It also indicates that outside pressure may have an affect on lab workers.

posted by Doran @ 8:39 AM