Kenny Richey Case Flashcards
1
Q
What is a summary of the Kenny Richey case?
A
In 1987 Kenny Richey was convicted of murder in Ohio USA. Investigators determined that a fire in which a 2 year-old child died from smoke inhalation had been deliberately lit.
After repeated appeals and nearly 20 years in prison on death row, Richey was freed in 2007 following a “plea bargain”.
2
Q
What were the issues with the case?
A
- Prosecution alleged GC had identified gasoline and paint thinners as accelerants, proving arson.
- Alleged the smoke alarm had been disabled.
- Sampling had not taken place at the scene. Debris was cleared before arson was suspected. The carpet was stored in an open air car park near a petrol pump used by Police.
- Samples were taken after to be tested for accelerants.
- Smoke detectors are often found hanging from ceilings after a fire as the heat destroys the plastic.
- The child had a history of starting fires. This was not disclosed to defence.
3
Q
What was said about the chromatograms?
A
- The chromatograms were of poor quality and misinterpreted
- No evidence whatsoever that indicates accelerants.
- Simply put, the chromatograms of the samples from the debris were not similar to the standards of gasoline and paint thinner.
