Statement from The Justice Project Education Fund on the DNA Match in the Innocence Case of Kirk Bloodsworth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“The announcement by the Baltimore County Prosecutors office that they finally charged the real killer of Dawn Hamilton is a relief, and also an indication of how much work has yet to be done. Maryland, and the nation, would be remiss if we did not learn from today’s news. We must preserve DNA evidence, it must be tested, and both prosecutors and defense attorneys in death penalty cases must be held to a higher standard.
In 1984, Kirk Bloodsworth was wrongfully sentenced to death for the rape and murder of nine-year old Dawn. In 1993, after fighting for years to get access to DNA testing, Kirk and his attorney proved that he was innocent.
According to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney, Kimberly Shay Ruffner has been charged with the crime. Nearly 20 years later, the actual killer may finally be punished.
It is increasingly clear to the American people that there are problems with our criminal justice system. DNA testing helps find some of the problems, but cannot solve them - only legislators, prosecutors and defense attorneys can.”
- Peter Loge, Director
Criminal Justice Reform Education Fund
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The Justice Project [ http://www.thejusticeproject.org ] (TJP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that addresses issues of social justice here and abroad. TJP’s Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform is a national initiative that addresses flaws in the American justice system.
