Idaho Innocence Project

Idaho Innocence Project (IIP)

DNA in the Amanda Knox Case, talks in Boise, Seattle and Chicago, with Dr. Greg Hampikian. Boise State Alumni and Idaho Idaho Innocence Project supporters, please join us for these special events sponsored by the Boise State University Foundation For Seattle and Chicago RSVP:  University Advancement@boisestate.edu
or (208) 426-2700
Boise: November 29, City Club at the Grove Hotel
Seattle: December 1, 2011   7-9pm
Chicago: December 5, 2011  5:30-7:30PM

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.

Other Media Links

Amanda Knox: As part our its International Innocence program, the Idaho Innocence Project has assisted Amanda Knox on DNA analysis in her defense and appeal. A verdict is expected Monday, October 3.
Hampikian is expected to be on Good Morning America for the verdict October 3.
CNN in Hampikian laboratory
20/20 visit to DNA laboratory

Kirk Bloodsworth: Kirk was the first person freed from Death Row in the US by DNA.  He has moved to Idaho and is helping the IIP to free the innocent and prevent wrongful convictions.
KIVI Channel 6 News Boise Idaho 2010: Guilty ’til Proven Innocent.
Irish Times 2010: Idaho Innocence Director helps launch the Ireland Innocence Project at Griffith College in Dublin, Ireland.
Kary Robinson: FOX News Atlanta 2009: Coverage of an Idaho Innocence Project DNA Mixture case.

Charles Fain Freed by DNA after 18 years on Idaho’s Death Row.
 New York Times 2001: Fain was freed by the efforts of his lawyer, D. Fredrick Hoopes. The Idaho Innocence Project is working with Mr. Fain on compensation issues. When he was released, his only compensation was that guards took him to the prison laundry for a coat and dungarees.

Idaho Innocence Project Helps Free Wisconsin Man: “The Idaho Innocence Project has helped exonerate a Wisconsin man who’d already served 24 years in jail…”
 

Thanks for Supporting the fundraiser at Boise Contemporary Theater.
For pictures click here

Songs and Stories of Justice
Stories and Songs of Justice. Curtis Stigers hosted some of Idaho’s best musicians: Bill Coffey, Belinda Bowler, aka Belle, Hillfollk Noir, and Steve Fulton.  The evening also featured Kirk Bloodsworth and Charles Fain, two wrongfully convicted Idaho men, freed from Death Row by DNA. David Nevin and Greg Hampikian also spoke.

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:  Angel O’Brien
Web design and management: Regina (Reggy) Leone and BSU OIT

Rick Visser, Assistant Director

Rick Visser, Staff Attorney & Assistant Director

Angel O'Brien, Paralegal

Angel O'Brien, Paralegal
UK Summer Extern Charlene March (center) with
Angel O’Brien and Greg Hampikian.
http://bctheater.org/store/Ticket.aspx/Direct?pType=176&perfNo=1640&perfDate=05/12/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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