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New Charges in Cold Cases and Wrongful Conviction Revealed

1/16/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Center

Murder Charges Filed

Cornell Bell faces charges in the 1999 Boston murder of Caryn Bonner after DNA linked evidence at the scene.
In South Carolina, authorities charged Jquan Bowers and Antavis Pickens in the murder of 20-year-old Jatavious Harris.
In Tennessee, the Shelby County District Attorney announced Andrew Hayes was wrongfully convicted in a 19-year homicide case and filed charges against Sarah Lucas Riedel for her role.

Left

Farley Sentenced for Murder

Kevin Farley, of Canastota, received 25 years to life for murdering his cellmate Adam Lafferty at Five Points Correctional Facility in 2024.
Farley is already serving a 24-to-life sentence for another murder.
Lafferty was found with head injuries and ligature marks, and Farley strangled him with a homemade ligature.
The Seneca County District Attorney described the acts as brutal and noted Farley killed Tiffany Meeks in 2015 and evaded capture.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 murder of Caryn Bonner in Boston underscored systemic flaws in the criminal justice system, particularly regarding wrongful convictions. The Innocence Project, established in 1992, has exonerated over 375 individuals, highlighting the importance of DNA evidence in resolving cold cases. Recent cases, such as Andrew Hayes in Tennessee, continue to reveal the need for reform in forensic practices and legal standards to ensure justice.

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Murder Charges Filed

Cornell Bell faces charges in the 1999 Boston murder of Caryn Bonner after DNA linked evidence at the scene.
In South Carolina, authorities charged Jquan Bowers and Antavis Pickens in the murder of 20-year-old Jatavious Harris.
In Tennessee, the Shelby County District Attorney announced Andrew Hayes was wrongfully convicted in a 19-year homicide case and filed charges against Sarah Lucas Riedel for her role.

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