Story perspectives

Jimmie Duncan Freed After 30 Years; Wrongful Conviction Exposed

11/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Jimmie Duncan was released on bail after nearly 30 years on death row, when his conviction was overturned over unreliable bite-mark analysis.
Judge Alvin Sharp said new evidence suggests the 23-month-old Haley Oliveaux died from accidental drowning, not murder.
The Innocence Project led the push with community support, despite opposition from the state attorney general.
Louisiana has exonerated more than 200 death-row inmates since 1973, highlighting a broader wrongful-conviction issue.

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Story summary

Jimmie Duncan was released on bail after nearly 30 years on death row, when his conviction was overturned over unreliable bite-mark analysis.
Judge Alvin Sharp said new evidence suggests the 23-month-old Haley Oliveaux died from accidental drowning, not murder.
The Innocence Project led the push with community support, despite opposition from the state attorney general.
Louisiana has exonerated more than 200 death-row inmates since 1973, highlighting a broader wrongful-conviction issue.