December 17, 2014, Innocence Project
Two Shaken-Baby convictions were overturned this week, with judges citing changing medical opinion regarding the controversial diagnosis.
On Monday, the Mississippi Supreme Court ordered a new trial for Leevester Brown, who was convicted of murder in 2003 for the death of his 6-month-old son. At the trial, Medical Examiner Steven Hayne testified Brown’s son died of Shaken-Baby Syndrome. During his career, Hayne attracted significant controversy surrounding his medical practices and testimony in criminal trials. His testimony contributed to the wrongful convictions of Innocence Project clients Kennedy Brewer and Levon Brooks, who were exonerated after DNA evidence in Brewer’s case identified the real perpetrator who subsequently confessed to the rape and murder in Brooks’ case.
Brown’s is the second case in recent months where the Mississippi court has questioned a Shaken-Baby Syndrome conviction involving Hayne. In August, the court ordered the trial court to conduct an evidentiary hearing.
In the case of Mississippi Innocence Project client Christopher Brandon after the Mississippi project revealed that Hayne supported his testimony by relying on a study that doesn’t exist. Since 2000, at least 11 Mississippians have been convicted in Shaken Baby Syndrome cases, two of whom were sentenced to death.
Justice for Jeffrey Havard 