Attorneys for a Native Hawaiian man imprisoned for more than 20 years after his conviction for the 1991 sexual assault, kidnapping and murder of a white woman visiting the Big Island will ask a judge Tuesday to dismiss his conviction due to new evidence — including DNA testing — in the case
Hawaii Innocence Project co-director Kenneth Lawson, left, and law student Skye Jansen go over files and photos related to the 1991 murder of Dana Ireland in Honolulu on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. A petition filed Monday, Jan.
“Whenever you have a white, female victim ... it gets a lot more attention than people of color and Native Hawaiians,” said Kenneth Lawson, co-director of the Hawaii Innocence Project. “The parents, understandably, were becoming more and more infuriated. ... There was insurmountable pressure to solve this case. And when that happens, mistakes are made. Some intentional and some unintentional.”
Additionally, a new tire tread analysis concluded Schweitzer's Volkswagen Beetle car didn't leave the tire marks at either location where Ireland and her bicycle were found. A forensic odontologist also concluded an injury on her left breast wasn't a bitemark, as previously believed, the petition said.
Much of the background on the Ireland case is detailed in a document filed with the petition listing facts that defense attorneys and prosecutors have stipulated. At one point the charges were dismissed because all three men were excluded as the source of semen found in Ireland and on a hospital gurney sheet. They were indicted again after another informant claimed Ian Schweitzer confessed to him in jail that Pauline raped and killed Ireland.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Federal judge admonishes Householder defense attorneys over ‘bush league’ behaviorTimothy Black, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio, told the attorneys before they began their own opening statements that he was “appalled” by how they comported themselves while lead prosecutor Emily Glatfelter delivered her opening.
Read more »
Public viewing at palace for 'last Hawaiian princess'The casket bearing the 96-year-old heiress long considered the last Hawaiian princess is on public display in the downtown Honolulu palace
Read more »
Public viewing at palace for ‘last Hawaiian princess’Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa died at her home in Nuuanu, near downtown Honolulu on Dec. 11. She died “peacefully” with her wife, Veronica Gail Kawānanakoa, 70, at her side, according to a news release.
Read more »
Public viewing at palace for 'last Hawaiian princess'The casket bearing the 96-year-old heiress long considered the last Hawaiian princess is set to go on public display Sunday in the downtown Honolulu palace that benefited from her wealth.
Read more »
Public viewing at palace for 'last Hawaiian princess'The casket bearing the 96-year-old heiress long considered the last Hawaiian princess has gone on public display in the downtown Honolulu palace
Read more »
Public viewing at palace for ‘last Hawaiian princess’Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa died at her home in Nuuanu, near downtown Honolulu on Dec. 11. She died “peacefully” with her wife, Veronica Gail Kawānanakoa, 70, at her side, according to a news release.
Read more »