October 25th, 2012

Twenty years ago, Cameron Todd Willingham was convicted of starting the fire that consumed his home and killed his three young daughters. On October 24, 2012 members of Willingham’s family filed a petition with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles asking them to posthumously clear his name. The validity of Willingham’s conviction was called into question after advances made in arson science showed that the fire was based on flawed forensics. Despite evidence of his innocence, Willingham was executed for the crime on February 17, 2004. He always maintained his innocence.

You can read an in-depth investigation of Willingham’s case here.

Read more about advances in arson science on our website.