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You are here: Home / Forensics / Adam Gray denied new trial

Adam Gray denied new trial

November 8, 2016 By Alice

Adam Gray arson AdSFrom the Chicago Tribune: “Judge Angela Petrone remained unconvinced that lawyers for Adam Gray had produced enough evidence for a jury to acquit him at a new trial.”

Adam Gray’s file was examined by arson experts John Lentini and Gerald Hurst. “At trial, prosecutors focused on two elements — the evidence that the fire had been intentionally set and a confession from Gray. Two fire investigators said they found alligator charring and deep burn patterns at the scene and concluded they were evidence of a hot fire set with an accelerant.”

This is similar to the cases of Kenneth Richey, Cameron Todd Willingham, Daniel Dougherty, and others. Forensic arson detection evolved but not everyone kept up with the progress. According to some in the industry, before 1992 many guidelines analyzing arson were “largely based on hand-me-down myths” and many fire investigators lacked formal training. The widespread attention for DNA on TV and in the movies has helped to make it as well-known as it is today. But that didn’t happen with forensic arson detection.

“Gray’s attorneys said they were looking at their options, including an appeal of the judge’s ruling. “This is an unusual case in which both the defense lawyers and the prosecutors agreed he was convicted on the basis of evidence which experts now know is unscientific and unreliable,” said Terri Mascherin, one of Gray’s attorneys. “We think the judge misapplied the law.”

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Filed Under: Forensics, Miscarriages of Justice Tagged With: Adam Gray, Forensic arson detection, Wrongful Convictions

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Author Notes

I am a true crime writer raising awareness for old unsolved cases from the pre-DNA era that are in need of renewed media attention. I do not actively investigate these cases. I leave that to the professionals.

My posts are about homicides, missing and unidentified people, wrongful convictions, and forensics as related to old cases.

I review books but only select works of true crime, crime fiction, and historical fiction and/or mysteries.

My database has more than 289 cases listed by the victim’s last name. You will find a brief description there as well.

All case suggestions that come in by email for writing considerations are added to my to-do list in the order in which they were received. Please be patient as my to-do list is very long.

If you have any questions about my website please check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, the about page, and the tabs in both menu bars. If you still cannot find the answer there, please contact me.

Thank you, Alice de Sturler

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If you use my work, please add a link back. Let your readers know where you found your information. I do the same for you. Thank you!

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On March 31, 2016, an evidentiary hearing was held to request touch DNA testing. On July 18, 2016, Judge Whitehead denied that request.

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In March 2015, the Connecticut State Supreme Court ordered a new trial. On Oct 2, 2015, International Wrongful Conviction Day, Richard Lapointe was set free. The judge ruled that he cannot be retried.

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Copyright: Please add a link back if you use my work. Let your readers know where you found your information. I do the same for you. If you need help with this, just contact me. Thank you, Alice de Sturler

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