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10/28/2011 06:35 PM

Forensics board: At least 700 arson investigations to be reviewed

By: John A. Salazar

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The Texas Forensic Science Commission released its final report in the Cameron Todd Willingham arson investigation Friday.

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Click here to read the Commission's final report in full.

Willingham was executed in 2004 after being convicted for the 1991 murders of his three daughters. Modern science now suggests he was an innocent man, prompting the Forensic Science Commission to study the case and report on the initial investigation.

The final report listed 17 recommendations to modernize arson investigations.

"What we're doing right now is putting together a review of arson convictions in Texas with an eye on finding what we can learn for the future in those investigations," Jeff Blackburn with the Innocence Project of Texas Legal Council said.

As directed by the Commission, Blackburn is working with the State Fire Marshall’s Office to now backtrack and review more than 700 arson cases.

"The State Fire Marshall’s Office has been very open and cooperative,” Blackburn said. “I think we are going to put together a real honest and genuine review."

Commissioners stressed the importance of implementing standards laid out in “Recommendation 2: Retroactive Review,” which addresses past arson investigations. The recommendation stresses the duty to correct, to inform, to be transparent and to take action in correcting bad investigations.

The reexamination of the Willingham case revealed a list of bad forensic science methods still in use. Commissioners are hoping the new recommendations help usher in modern methods for arson investigations

“What’s happening here today is unprecedented,” Willingham's cousin, Patricia Ann Cox, said.

Willingham’s family members said they were glad changes are coming, but are still disappointed in the state and in Governor Perry for what they call a senseless execution.

"I realize there is no coming back, regardless of how many rules are changed or laws are passed,” Eugenia Willingham, Cameron Todd Willingham’s mother, said. “It's not going to bring him back."