Miami Cops Arrested an Innocent Man for Murder Based on a Single, Uncorroborated Witness
The human memory is a complex thing. Most of us can’t even remember what we ate for breakfast two days ago. So why are eyewitness accounts having such a large influence on the arrests of suspected criminals, despite their horrible track record? It is true that good eyewitness testimony can be the key to solving a case and successfully convicting criminals. However, their involvement in the crime has to be supported by solid physical evidence, not just the uncorroborated testimony of a single eyewitness. For 20-year-old, Walter Collier, this was exactly what happened. On the basis of one eyewitness testimony and little else, Collier was arrested, booked, and charged with second-degree murder.
[Abstract by ForensIQ Intern – Mark Lombard]
Citation:
Peters, J. (2013, 12). Slate.com. Miami cops charge wrong man with murder in a one-witness case.. Retrieved April 14, 2013, from http://mobile.slate.com/blogs/crime/2013/04/12/walter_collier_marquise_bess_miami_cops_charge_wrong_man_with_murder_in.html