Hundreds of criminal convictions in Colorado may be re-examined after investigators found that a DNA analyst manipulated testing samples over her 29-year career. Yvonne "Missy" Woods, a former analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) crime lab, is accused of deleting, altering, and omitting data in official criminal justice records.
The CBI announced on Friday that 652 cases have been affected by her recent work, with some 3,000 samples requiring re-testing. Officials are now reviewing all of her work dating back to 1994. The CBI has set aside $7.5 million (£5.8 million) to conduct new tests, re-try cases, and potentially reimburse inmates for wrongful convictions.
A CBI statement said that Woods' tampering appeared to be "intentional conduct," adding that "this discovery puts all of her work in question." However, the review did not find that Woods falsified DNA matches or fabricated DNA profiles; instead, she deviated from standard testing protocols and cut corners, casting doubt on the reliability of her testing.
No charges have been filed against Woods, who has retired from the CBI. Her lawyer told the Denver Post that she is cooperating with the investigation and stands by her work, which he described as resulting from "true and just criminal justice findings." He stated that Woods has never created or falsely reported any inculpatory DNA matches or exclusions, nor testified falsely in any hearing or trial.
CBI Director Chris Schaefer said, "Public trust in our institutions is critical to the fulfilment of our mission. Our actions in rectifying this unprecedented breach of trust will be thorough and transparent." The CBI is now auditing all its DNA analysts, leading to the discovery of another scientist, Chiara Wuensch, who was fired from the Weld County Sheriff's Office last week for alleged data manipulation. She is under separate investigation.
