DENVER — Defense attorneys want to know if their clients were wrongfully convicted after the Colorado Bureau of Investigation said a DNA analyst manipulated data in hundreds of cases.
Yvonne "Missy" Woods - a 29-year veteran at CBI - was considered the "gold standard" in DNA testing in Colorado. Prosecutors used her DNA analysis in hundreds of cases to put people behind bars.
An internal affairs investigation found she "cut corners" and tampered with results, impacting 652 cases between 2008 and 2023. There could be more, as the agency is still reviewing her work from 1994 to 2008. CBI worked with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to help with an independent evaluation.
CBI said the internal investigation did not find she falsified DNA matches or fabricated DNA profiles.
Casey Krizman, a defense attorney in Denver, said three of his clients entered guilty pleas due to DNA work completed by Woods. He has no idea if his cases are included on CBI's list.
"We are punching in the dark here," he said. "We know 652 at least, and that number is likely to grow. All I know is I've done the legwork to find my clients who might have been affected."
He's asking for more transparency about the specific cases that are involved in this discovery. The Office of the State Public Defender feels the same way.
They released a statement on Friday saying in part, "the lack of transparency from the CBI about this matter is extremely concerning."
"OSPD hopes CBI's press release is the start of a swift transition to complete transparency and full disclosure to all clients and their counsel in any past or present case involving Ms. Woods," the statement said.
9NEWS requested a copy of the internal affairs report. CBI denied that request, citing an ongoing criminal investigation into Woods' conduct.
"How many cases could be reopened? How many lives have been lost? How many mothers have been crying unnecessarily at night?" Krizman said.
OSPD expects the findings in this internal affairs investigation will reopen many criminal cases. Krizman said he's waiting to file any appeals until he learns more information about his clients' cases.
In September 2023, CBI said it became aware DNA sample testing performed by Woods may have deviated from standard procedures. In October she was placed on administrative leave. She retired in November.
Ryan Brackley, attorney for Woods, said in a statement his client maintains she's never given false testimony that's resulted in a false conviction.
“While the allegations resulting from the internal investigation point to Ms Woods deviating from standard protocols and cutting corners in her work, she has long maintained that she’s never created or falsely reported any inculpatory DNA matches or exclusions, nor has she testified falsely in any hearing or trial resulting in a false conviction or unjust imprisonment.," Brackley said. "To the extent that the findings of the internal investigation will call her good work into question Ms. Woods will continue to cooperate to preserve the integrity of her work that resulted in true and just criminal justice findings.”
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