In-depth Investigations Make Finding the Truth Possible
In the past year, our investigators spent more than 1,550 hours
working on NEIP cases, involving more than 120 witnesses
When someone has been wrongfully convicted of a crime they did not commit, it often means their case has been built on unreliable evidence. In a case involving faulty forensic science, we can bring in scientific experts to help uncover the error. Or if physical evidence exists, we may be granted the chance to retest it with new technology - like DNA - to find answers. But in the majority of cases, that unreliable evidence came from witnesses who lied or were mistaken. As a result, we’re required to take on the more challenging work of demonstrating innocence through extensive investigations. Our clients often tell us that what they want most is for the truth to come out. Our experienced and devoted investigators play a critical role in freeing innocent people, and without them, we could not meaningfully support our clients’ fight for truth and for freedom.
During the last year, NEIP has dedicated significant resources to the investigation of wrongful conviction cases. We increased our investigative team, adding a third investigator who is focused on Connecticut cases and Massachusetts cases involving Spanish-speaking witnesses.
Collectively, our incredible investigators spent more than 1,550 hours working on NEIP cases, involving more than 120 witnesses.
Pictured (left to right): Don Juan Moses, NEIP investigator John Nardizzi, and exoneree James Watson. James was exonerated in 2020 after being wrongfully incarcerated for 40 years.
These witnesses were from cases that are decades old and have been located both across the country and outside the United States. We are fortunate to have investigators who leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the truth, and overturning wrongful convictions requires nothing less.
Lawyers are often praised for their work in exonerations, while investigators can get overlooked in the story. At the New England Innocence Project, we see investigation as an essential part of our work. It is foundational to our clients’ quest to get answers about what actually happened. And we are so grateful to have exceptional investigators who make an impact every day as part of our team fighting for freedom.
Learn more about how investigative work helps free the innocent.