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Michael Nawee
BLAIR
Michael Blair was sentenced to death for the
1993 murder of 7-year old Ashley Estell. In May 2008, following a
re-investigation of the case by the Collin County prosecutor's
office, District Attorney John Roach announced that in light of
the results of advanced DNA testing and the absence of any other
evidence linking him to the crime, Mr. Blair's conviction could no
longer be upheld.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals upheld the
decision of the Collin County trial court that:
"The post conviction DNA results and the
evidence discovered in the State's new investigation have
substantially eroded the State's trial case against [applicant].
This new evidence in light of the remaining inculpatory evidence
in the record, has established by clear and convincing evidence
that no reasonable juror would have convicted [applicant] in light
of newly discovered evidence."
Although the court recommended that a new trial
be granted, the prosecution, in light of the evidence, chose not
to pursue a retrial. In a dismissal motion filed in August 2008,
prosecutors determined that "this case should be dismissed in the
interest of justice so that the offense charged in the indictment
can be further investigated." All charges against Mr. Blair in
this case were dismissed in August 2008. He remains in prison
serving out life sentences for other crimes.
"Court Dismisses Ashley's Killer, cites DNA
Test," Associated Press, The Houston Chronicle, September 17,
2008; Ex Parte Michael Nawee Blair, Nos. AP-75,954 & AP-75,955,
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, June 25, 2008 at 3.
In the Court of Criminal
Appeals of Texas
Nos. AP-75,954 & AP-75,955
Ex Parte Michael Nawee Blair
On Applications for Writs of
Habeas Corpus
in Cause Nos. W366-81344-93 (HC3 & HC4)
in the 366th Judicial District Court of Collin County