CASE STUDIESChapter 2

Ruby Ridge

August 1992 Randy Weaver – indicted on federal

firearms charges; did not appear at court after bail

US Marshals issued an arrest warrant – instead of knocking on door, Marshals began a surveillance of Weaver’s home

Standoff – several days, several dead Eventually, Weaver and friend Kevin

Harris surrendered

Guns and ammo confiscated Arrested and charged with murder, aiding

and abetting murder, conspiracy, and assault

Witnesses for prosecution contradicted each other, govt agents admitted to tampering with evidence and using “re-enacted” crime scene photos; Marshals did not follow proper procedure

Harris and Weaver were acquitted of murder and conspiracy, but found guilty of lesser charges

Agents – reprimanded and suspended for 10 or 15 days

Prosecutors – had to apologize and pay part of defense attorney’s fees

John Stoll

1984 – convicted on 17 counts of child abuse and received a 40 year sentence

Investigators for the Innocence Project questioned the alleged victims 20 years later – they admitted to lying

Were manipulated and nagged and bribed (ice cream) by interrogators

Flawed techniques – used leading questions, interviewed child alone; poorly trained personnel; no physical evidence; victims not examined by medical expert

2004 – Stoll exonerated and released

Career

Forensic psychiatrist