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Criminal Justice

Blood Will Tell

Investigating a Forensic Science

Bloodstain-pattern analysis, and the experts who specialize in it, have helped prosecutors secure convictions across the country. But how much science is really behind the interpretation of blood spatters?

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Blood Will Tell

Texas Commission Says Blood Spatter Testimony in Murder Case “Not Accurate or Scientifically Supported”

The findings will make it harder to deny a new trial to Joe Bryan, a high school principal convicted of murdering his wife.

by Pamela Colloff,

11 stories published since 2018

33 Years After Dubious Evidence Helped Convict Him, Joe Bryan Has Been Released on Parole

by Pamela Colloff,

Joe Bryan Denied Parole for Seventh Time

by Pamela Colloff,

Bloodstain Analysis Convinced a Jury She Stabbed Her 10-Year-Old Son. Now, Even Freedom Can’t Give Her Back Her Life.

by Pamela Colloff,

Joe Bryan in His Own Words: On Being Convicted With Expert Testimony That Turned Out to Be Wrong

by Pamela Colloff,

How a Dubious Forensic Science Spread Like a Virus

by Leora Smith,

Judge in Joe Bryan Case Rejects Defense Pleas for New Trial

by Pamela Colloff,

Texas Panel Faults Lab Chemist in Bryan Case for “Overstated Findings” and Inadequate DNA Analysis

by Pamela Colloff,

Blood-Spatter Expert in Joe Bryan Case Says “My Conclusions Were Wrong”

by Pamela Colloff,

Joe Bryan’s Attorneys Ask For New Trial, Say Murder Conviction Built On Faulty Forensics

by Pamela Colloff,

Blood Will Tell, Part II

by Pamela Colloff,

Blood Will Tell, Part I

by Pamela Colloff,

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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