August 20, 2009, 16:32
Bill Burnettscent evidence
I've tried three capital cases using Pickett and his canine scent lineups. I would definitely use him again. I was interviewed by the Victoria Advocate reporter writing a story on the canine scent lineups and the lawsuit against Pickett. They didn't use most of my interview. I pointed out that the canine scent lineups are a tool, especially good in the field where the "hard science" standard doesn't apply. And we get convictions with corroboration of that evidence. My cases were good examples. In two cases we had independent evidence corroborating the dogs hit on the defendants in the canine scent lineups. Hence two convictions. In the third case we did not have other sufficient corroborating evidence and the jury acquitted. Another point, the lineups were done in 2004 identifying the suspects. Arrest warrants were issued in 2007 when additional corroborating evidence was obtained. Ranger Grover Huff in Liberty County initially got Pickett to do the lineups. Since then Ranger Ron Duff in Tyler County has used Pickett, identified a suspect, and dna evidence later cofirmed the dogs were correct on the scent lineup.
August 24, 2009, 09:30
Fred EdwardsI believe in dogs also...my dog taught me everything I know.
September 22, 2009, 11:34
david curlAnother
article attacking scent lineups.
September 23, 2010, 13:19
david curlAnyone interested in this issue needs to read
Winfreyeven though it really just held that scent evidence is not alone sufficient to support a conviction.