Idaho Innocence Project

Idaho Innocence Project (IIP)

COME AND HEAR KIRK BLOODSWORTH
Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 7PM, The Egyptian Theater

IIP Assisted in the Michael Hash Case, Freedom Expected March 13, 2013
In 2005 Pamela and Jeff Hash approached DNA expert Dr. Greg Hampikian at the end of the Innocence Network Conference in DC. They were looking for someone to examine the forensic issues in their son’s murder conviction. They stayed late to discuss the case, and Dr. Hampikian agreed to work on the DNA issues pro bono as part of the nascent Idaho Innocence Project (IIP) at Boise State University.

Michael Hash has now served 12 years for capital murder, but is expected to be released on Wednesday, March 13, 2012. While new DNA testing is still being considered, Micheal’s legal team and investigators turned up evidence of misconduct that led directly to his expected release Wednesday. On March 12, Prosecutor Close announced his resignation effective March 13.

The Idaho Innocence Project believes that there is still evidence that will lead to the true murderer. In 1996, Michael Hash was 15 when his 74 year old neighbor was murdered, and this second tragedy began.

Mr. Hash’s legal team includes Matthew Bosher and the team at Hunton & Williams, the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project’s Executive Director Shawn Armbrust, the University of Virginia Law School Innocence Project Clinic, and investigator Stanley Lapekas. The Idaho Innocence Project worked with Dr. Michael F. Reiders on the case concerning biological evidence. The staff and volunteers at the IIP are celebrating Judge James C. Turk’s decision.

See March 12 story: http://www2.starexponent.com/
See: http://www2.starexponent.com/news/2012/mar/11/how-investigation-offended-sense-justice-ar-1756545/
See: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/a-couple-waits-for-their-son-to-return-home/2012/03/10/gIQAHhvm3R_gallery.html#photo=10

Idaho Innocence Project/Innocence Project study cited in Sunday Boston Globe cover story on DNA testing law Massachusetts is one of only two states in the country without a law granting prison inmates the right to test DNA evidence that might prove their innocence. A lingering, long- contested bill may finally change that.

CNN: Idaho Innocence Projects helps free Amanda Knox

Why we are here

It is impossible to imagine the terror of being accused, tried and convicted of a crime that you did not commit. Yet the Innocence Projects across the country have secured the freedom of more than 250 innocent men and women who suffered the nightmare of false imprisonment. The Idaho Innocence Project at Boise State University offers free investigative help to the wrongfully convicted. Our staff and volunteers work with local lawyers, University of Idaho law interns, and Boise State University students to investigate claims of actual innocence. The Idaho Innocence Project team includes forensic experts in DNA, Polygraphs, Latent Prints and Physical Anthropology (bones).

What makes us unique

We are the only Innocence Project that is directed by a forensic genetics expert (Dr. Greg Hampikian). Part of our unique mission is assisting other projects across the United States and abroad on DNA issues. Since 2005, we have been working to help start Innocence Projects in other countries, and established the International Innocence program, which is reviewing DNA cases outside the United States.

Progress to date

Received over 200 case requests from Idaho prisoners
Assisted other Innocence Projects with 9 exonerations, four of which led to new suspects through DNA matching to the convicted offender database
Actively investigating 12 Cases
Established International Innocence DNA casework program
Helped legislators pass key DNA testing law in Idaho
Working with prosecutors and victims’ families to help solve cold cases where DNA evidence is present
Training police officers and crime lab personnel in forensic DNA analysis
Hired an assistant director and legal assistant through the generous support of private individuals and grants
In partnership with the University of Idaho, College of Law, established an internship program for law students
Offered undergraduate and graduate courses in Cold Case Evidence, and Forensic Biology at Boise State University

How can you help?

Donations are being sought for:

Staff support (one full-time position)
Audio video equipment
Legal document processing (copying, transportation, mailing)

Volunteers are needed

These are the skills that are the needed the most:

Paralegal
Investigation
Fundraising/Grants

If you would like to volunteer,
please contact Rick Visser at
richardvisser@boisestate.edu
or (208) 426-4207

Our Office is at 2103 University Drive, on the Boise State Campus.

Mail Address:
Idaho Innocence Project
at Boise State University
Biology Department
1910 University Drive
Boise ID 83725-1515

Idaho Innocence Project Board, Officers
Director: Greg Hampikian
Fundraising Chair: Michael Hoffman
Legal Advisory Board Co-directors: David Nevin and Dick Rubin
Staff Attorney & Assistant Director: Rick Visser
Paralegal: Debbie Thompson

Investigative Coordinator: Nora Staum

Volunteer Attorney: William O’Connor

Web design and management: Regina (Reggy) Leone and BSU OIT

Rick Visser, Staff Attorney & Assistant Director

Debbie Thompson, Paralegal

tp://bctheater.orgstore/Ticket.aspx/Direct?pType=176&perfNo=1640&perfDate=05/12/2011

: Nora Staum, Investigative Coordinator

Idaho Innocence Project