Detroit crime lab shut down
The Detroit police crime lab was shut down by the city’s new mayor and police chief after an outside audit found errors in some evidence used to prosecute cases involving murder and other crimes, officials said.
Wrongful convictions are a possibility, according to the audit, conducted by the Michigan State Police. Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy also said some criminals may have gone uncharged because of the lab’s shortcomings.
The audit found erroneous or false findings in 10% of 200 random cases and subpar quality control compliance at the lab, Worthy said. The report revealed that the lab met only 42% of a required 100%.
The state police lab will be used for the city’s criminal investigations.
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