Under The Microscope: The FBI Hair Cases | Fault Lines

Summary

The story of Joseph Sledge, wrongfully convicted of double homicide in 1978, highlights the flaws in forensic science, particularly microscopic hair analysis. After nearly 40 years in prison, DNA testing exonerated him, revealing that the hair evidence used against him was scientifically invalid. The FBI's reliance on this untested method has led to numerous wrongful convictions, with a review revealing that 95% of hair analysis testimony was flawed. Despite the DOJ's acknowledgment of these issues, many cases remain unresolved, leaving countless innocent lives impacted by a broken justice system.

Takeaways

• 😀 Joseph Sledge was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1978, primarily due to flawed forensic hair analysis.
• 🧬 DNA testing later proved that the hairs identified at the crime scene did not belong to Sledge, leading to his exoneration after nearly 40 years in prison.
• 🔍 The FBI's microscopic hair comparison technique was based on subjective visual assessments rather than reliable scientific methods.
• ⚖️ Sledge was the 74th American exonerated due to faulty forensic science, highlighting a systemic issue in the criminal justice system.
• 🚨 The Department of Justice's review of old convictions revealed that FBI testimony about hair evidence was scientifically invalid 95% of the time.
• 📜 During his imprisonment, Sledge filed over 25 motions claiming his innocence and eventually sought help from attorney Christine Muma.
• 🧑‍⚖️ The use of jailhouse informants and unreliable witness testimonies contributed to Sledge's wrongful conviction.
• 🐶 In some cases, forensic hair analysis incorrectly identified animal hair as human hair, demonstrating the unreliability of the method.
• 🔎 Frederick Whitehurst, a former FBI scientist, raised concerns about the quality of forensic work at the FBI, leading to investigations and reviews.
• ⏳ Despite numerous wrongful convictions, many cases remain unresolved due to a lack of action from the Justice Department in overturning flawed convictions.

Q & A

What was Joseph Sledge convicted of in 1978?

Joseph Sledge was convicted of murder in North Carolina.

What evidence was primarily used against Joseph Sledge at his trial?

The primary evidence used against him was microscopic hair analysis, where an FBI scientist testified that hairs found at the crime scene were microscopically alike to Joseph's hair.

How long did Joseph Sledge serve in prison before his exoneration?

Joseph Sledge served nearly 40 years in prison before being released in 2015.

What recent scientific advancements helped exonerate Joseph Sledge?

DNA testing proved that the hairs found at the crime scene were not Joseph's, leading to his exoneration.

How did the FBI's hair analysis technique influence the justice system?

The FBI's hair analysis technique was widely used for over 50 years, influencing thousands of convictions, but was later found to be scientifically invalid in many cases.

What was revealed in the US Department of Justice's review of hair analysis cases?

The review revealed that FBI testimony about hair evidence was scientifically invalid 95% of the time.

What role did jailhouse informants play in Joseph Sledge's case?

Two jailhouse informants testified that Joseph confessed to the murders, receiving monetary rewards for their testimonies.

What did Frederick Whitehurst allege about the FBI's forensic practices?

Frederick Whitehurst alleged that there were major problems with the FBI's forensic practices, claiming that many agents performed flawed or sloppy forensic work.

What has the Department of Justice promised regarding past cases involving hair analysis?

The Department of Justice promised to conduct a thorough review of cases involving hair analysis and has identified nearly 2,500 cases where hair comparison evidence was crucial to convictions.

What did Joseph Sledge express as his desired resolution for his wrongful conviction?

Joseph Sledge expressed a desire for justice by stating that he would like his lost 40 years of life back as a form of reparation for his wrongful conviction.