Was Edwin Chandler's Conviction In The Brenda Whitfield Murder A Product Of Police Misconduct?
The Associated Press is reporting:
Prosecutors are saying a Kentucky man who served about nine years in prison for a shooting death and robbery is innocent. Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney David Stengel said Tuesday that Edwin A. Chandler was innocent of the 1993 slaying of a convenience store clerk. Another man has been indicted in the killing. Chandler's attorney, Marguerite Thomas, says a fingerprint on a beer bottle at the scene, along with two witnesses who came forward, cleared Chandler. Chandler was paroled in 2002. Stengel offered his apologies, and said he hoped to help him receive restitution from the state.A judge overturned Chandler's conviction Tuesday afternoon.
According to WAVE3 (NBC Affiliate) in Louisville KY:
Chandler, 37, was convicted of killing Brenda Whitfield, a convenience store clerk, during a robbery on September 28, 1993. However, Tuesday another man, Percy Phillips, was charged in the case based on a fingerprint found at the scene.
Chandler was convicted partially based on a confession he says he was coerced into giving. Wednesday, the original detective on Chandler's case told WAVE 3 he never would coerce a suspect and only asked Chandler to tell the truth.
These early news reports don't tell the whole story. What exactly did Chandler confess to? Is there an explanation for Percy Phillip's prints on the scene? Did Philips know Chandler? Even if the confession was false - was it caused by any police misconduct?
Just a few months ago in Woodstock, Illinois, detectives were cleared of coercing a confession in the Gary Gauger case, even where the murders were linked to other individuals.
We can't rush to any conclusions....There is more to the story...There always is.
