6 convictions found to be fair after review of embattled Minnesota medical examiner’s testimony
Outside experts found McGee’s testimony raised concerns, but county officials said the disputed language did not affect the key evidence in the convictions.
- On Tuesday, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced that six murder convictions remain "fair and just" after a yearslong review of work by former medical examiner Michael McGee.
- The review began in 2021 after District Judge Ralph Erickson criticized McGee's testimony in the 2003 murder trial of Alfonso Rodriguez for killing North Dakota college student Dru Sjodin.
- Independent experts from the Great North Innocence Project and the Prosecutors Center for Excellence reviewed cases at a cost of $380,000, finding that criticisms "did not go to the aspects of the case that were key to determining the defendant."
- For a seventh case involving a plea agreement, Choi stated findings are being shared with the defense team, and the legal process will continue to play out.
- The county attorney's office will provide prosecutors additional training on medical expert testimony, emphasizing experts should be helpful to a jury but not "lead them to legal conclusions.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Minnesota Review Upholds Six Murder Convictions
St. Paul, Minnesota – Ramsey County officials said six murder convictions tied to former medical examiner Dr. Michael McGee remain “fair and just” after an outside review of his testimony and conclusions. The review began after a federal judge criticized McGee’s testimony in the 2003 murder case of Alfonso Rodriguez Jr., who was convicted of killing North Dakota college student Dru Sjodin. The judge called parts of McGee’s testimony “unreliable,…
Ramsey County Attorney confirms six murder convictions after medical examiner criticized
The Ramsey County Attorney's Office has determined six of seven murder cases should be upheld. They were subjected to extensive review after the testimony of the former county medical examiner was questioned.
Ramsey County Attorney says no change in convictions of six review cases involving former medical examiner
Choi spoke about six cases dating back to 1996, and while there were some concerns with the testimony, he said there wasn't enough to change any convictions.
Associated Press News
6 convictions found to be fair after review of embattled Minnesota medical examiner's testimony
A Minnesota county prosecutor says convictions in six murder cases are fair despite concerns about a medical examiner's work. The review of Dr.
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