10 Famous Alford Plea Cases. The Alford plea is a legal concept that allows a defendant to plead guilty without admitting guilt, maintaining their innocence while acknowledging that the prosecution has enough evidence to likely secure a conviction. Here are 10 famous cases involving Alford pleas:
Famous Alford Plea Cases.
- Michael Peterson (2003): Featured in the documentary series “The Staircase,” Michael Peterson was accused of killing his wife Kathleen. He entered an Alford plea in 2017 after serving eight years in prison, maintaining his innocence but acknowledging the evidence against him.
- Kenneth Fitzhugh (2006): Convicted of killing his wife, Nancy, Fitzhugh entered an Alford plea in 2010. He maintained his innocence while acknowledging the evidence presented in court.
- West Memphis Three (1993): Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley Jr., and Jason Baldwin were convicted of murdering three children. In 2011, they entered Alford pleas as part of a deal to secure their release after new DNA evidence emerged.
- Ryan Ferguson (2004): Convicted of murdering a journalist, Ferguson entered an Alford plea in 2013 after new evidence raised doubts about his guilt.
- Bruce George Peter Lee (1997): Convicted of killing 11-month-old babies, Lee entered an Alford plea in 2006 while maintaining his innocence. He died in prison in 2011.
- Kirstin Lobato (2001): Lobato was convicted of murder in 2006. She entered an Alford plea in 2018 after new evidence raised concerns about her conviction.
- Darlie Routier (1996): Convicted of killing her two children, Routier entered an Alford plea in 2008 while maintaining her innocence.
- Eric Glisson, Cathy Watkins, and Devon Ayers (1995): These individuals were wrongfully convicted of murder and rape. They entered Alford pleas in 2012 to secure their release after new evidence emerged.
- David Wayne Alexander (2000): Convicted of murder, Alexander entered an Alford plea in 2011 after DNA evidence cast doubt on his guilt.
- Daniel Wade Moore (2003): Moore was convicted of murder in 2003. He entered an Alford plea in 2009 after new evidence emerged that could have potentially exonerated him.
Please note that the status of these cases and the details involved may have changed since my last knowledge update in September 2021. It’s recommended to verify the most recent information if you’re interested in the current status of any of these cases.
