I would be fascinated to see Burke talk about this case. I have reviewed John and Patsy Ramsey in an interview they gave to 48 Hours in 2006 and I believe they know more than they have told us about this case. I also wrote about John Mark Karr when he came forward to confess to the crime in August 2006, and I stated publicly I did not believe him before he was even flown back to the U.S.
There is an interesting article on false confessions that was published in the NY Times in the last couple of weeks that is well worth reading. I think it is so important that people realize false confessions happen.
Most people will convict a person who admits to a crime without giving it much thought. Here are some interesting statistics of people who made false confessions from the article:
“Of the exonerated defendants in the Garrett study, 26 — more than half — were “mentally disabled,” under 18 at the time or both. Most were subjected to lengthy, high-pressure interrogations, and none had a lawyer present.”
The article talks about important it is to videotape interrogations and I think this should become the gold standard. Right now only 10 states require it for specific cases — such as death penalty cases. I believe they should be a requirement in our legal system in every state. Its the only way we can go back should we need to revisit things.
Have I seen a false confession on this blog? I believe I have. It’s the case of Ryan Ferguson and Charles Erickson. While Ryan has always maintained his innocence, Charles Erickson confessed to the crime, which I do not believe he commit.
Thanks to Nancy for sharing this.
I was watching Bishop Eddie Long speak today and I found it notable that he doesn’t deny any allegations against him. He said in his speech before his congregation, “I’m not a perfect man, but this thing, I’m gonna fight.”
That certainly piques my interest, to say the least, but this video alone is not enough for me to draw any conclusions on. Does he even say anything that could be a lie? I don’t think he does.
Ronald Cummings was sentenced today on drug charges. He was given a 15 year sentence and $250,000 in fines. Ronald Cumming’s daughter, Haleigh, disappeared in February from the trailer that he lived in with his then live-in girlfriend, Misty Croslin. Misty Croslin has also been arrested on drug charges and could be sentenced to six and 240 years.
I reviewed Ronald and Misty within days of Haleigh going missing in 2009, and I found both of their stories odd and fishy. I believe both know a lot more than they have said about Haleigh. I have written extensively on these two, so click on the labels below to see all of my thoughts.
I will never forget Ronald when he said within days of Haleigh’s disappearance, “I’d give my life for my child’s life back.” To me that is a strong indication he knew at that point she was already dead.
I wonder if we will ever learn what happened to Haleigh.
Thanks, Karon, for following the story and keeping us updated with links! You are a tremendous help with this blog. Thank you, truly!
