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Adolph Munson was convicted of murdering Alma Hall, a convenience store clerk.  Police testified that one of the victim's earrings and a .22 caliber bullet was found in Munson's motel room.  The prosecution claimed a .22 caliber gun was used to murder the victim.  In addition, a jailhouse informant claimed that Munson confessed.  Defense requests for funds to investigate the evidence were denied.  Some eight years later exculpatory facts emerged that had been hidden from the defense.  Additionally, it was shown that a .22 caliber gun was not used to kill the victim.  Dr. Ralph Erdmann, the pathologist who testified otherwise, was subsequently convicted of seven felony counts involving misrepresentation of facts in other cases.

Several witnesses contradicted the police officer who claimed he had found the victim's earring in Munson's motel room.  In addition, evidence proved that the jailhouse informant had lied when he denied that he was testifying in hopes of a deal from the state.  A new trial was ordered, with the trial judge stating that he "was saddened that people charged with upholding justice would do such a thing."  The retrial jury acquitted Munson of all charges in April 1995.  (PC)  [7/05]

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