Mark Alan Norwood, a 57-year-old Bastrop resident, was arrested today and charged with the 1986 murder of Christine Morton. Michael Morton, her husband, was exonerated of her murder last month after spending nearly 25 years in prison.
Criminal Justice
Get the latest Texas Tribune coverage on criminal justice, including crime, courts, law enforcement, and reforms shaping the state’s justice system.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
The Weekly TribCast: Episode 105
On this week’s TribCast, Ross, Reeve, Brandi, and Jay review the latest criminal justice headlines, consider the difference between news and gossip in light of the latest Herman Cain developments, and explain what’s going on with redistricting.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Former Assistant DA Deflects Blame in Morton Case
Mike Davis, a former assistant district attorney in Williamson County, pointed the finger for any alleged wrongdoing that led to the conviction of Michael Morton directly at his former boss, Ken Anderson.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Updated: Cornyn Presses Holder on Alleged Texas Operation
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn confronted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Tuesday about allegations of a Texas-based gun-walking operation similar to the controversial Fast and Furious operation in Arizona.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: Will Judge Who Beat Daughter Be Punished?
Hey, Texplainer: What will happen to Aransas County Court-at-Law Judge William Adams now that the video of him beating his then 16-year-old daughter has gone viral?
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Supreme Court Denies Duane Buck Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court today denied the appeal of Texas death row inmate Duane Buck, who was seeking a retrial based on race-related testimony given during the sentencing phase of his 1997 trial.
Posted in
Inside Intelligence
Inside Intelligence: The Big Issue Facing Texas Is…
In our nonscientific survey of the state’s governmental and political insiders, we asked about big problems, immigration, the death penalty, public education and whether Texans would vote for a Mormon if they agreed with that candidate on issues.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Skinner, Running Out of Time, Awaits DNA Ruling From Skeptical Court
Facing a Wednesday execution date, convicted murderer Hank Skinner is again appealing to the state’s highest criminal court to allow for new DNA tests he says could exonerate him. But the court previously has ruled against him — twice.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
The latest UT/TT Poll on the 2012 race and other issues, Root on Herman Cain’s stumble, Ramshaw and Titus on Texas Republicans who don’t support Perry, Murphy maps presidential fundraising in Texas, Philpott on changing the constitution for parks and education, Hamilton on a case of higher ed separation anxiety, Grissom on the state’s breakup with a death penalty witness, Galbraith on a congressman’s search for a big leak, Aguilar on the Border Patrol’s effort to operate in environmentally protected areas and Aaronson on a dramatic drop in government employment in Texas: The best of our best content from October 31 to November 4, 2011.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Morton Investigator, Medical Examiner Testimony Released
Testimony from the Williamson County sergeant who led the investigation that resulted in Michael Morton’s wrongful conviction was made public Friday, along with statements of the medical examiner refuting allegations prosecutors made during the trial.