Wrongful Arson Convictions and Developments in the Forensics of Fire Investigations

From an Art to a Science: Wrongful Arson Convictions and Developments in the Forensics of Fire Investigations

Over the past several decades, the forensics underlying fire investigations have progressed from an art to a science. Fires that were previously ruled arson were in fact accidental. As a result, many defendants serving time for arson are seeking, and in some cases obtaining, post-conviction relief on the grounds of actual innocence. This video considers the impact of the new fire science on wrongful convictions with a focus on the case of Letitia (Teri) Smallwood who was sentenced to life in prison in 1972. Included are interviews with Teri’s sister Lisa Smallwood and John Lentini, a fire investigation expert, as well as Nilam Sanghvi and Josh Snyder, attorneys with the Innocence Project of Pennsylvania. The video was produced and directed by Liz Frawley, L’15; Yosha Gunasekera, L’15; and Tyler Neal, L’16.