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Dallas DNA: Reality show featuring DNA exonerations raises controversy
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Dallas DNA, an unprecedented reality show on DNA exoneration, premiered April 28th on the Investigation Discovery Channel. The show features Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins, who has created a stir since taking office in 2007. Watkins is the first Democrat elected in Dallas County in 20 years and the first African American prosecutor in Texas history. The historic nature of his election aside, his leadership has resulted in a major overhaul of the DA's office. He has facilitated the release of 10 wrongfully convicted prisoners, created the country's first ever Conviction Integrity Unit to examine convictions in Dallas County, and advocated for sanctions for unethical prosecutors.
The first episode featured recent exoneree Johnnie Lindsey, who was convicted in 1981 for aggravated rape and spent 26 years in prison until DNA testing proved his innocence. Linsdey maintained his innocence throughout the case. At trial, his boss testified as an alibi witness to explain that Linsdey had been at work at the time of the offense and even produced his time card as corroboration. Despite this, the jury convicted Lindsey based on eyewitness identification resulting from a photo lineup that police mailed the victim a year after the offense. Unfortunately, what occurred in Lindsey's case is hardly uncommon. Faulty eyewitness identification has been responsible for approximately 80 percent of wrongful convictions. Lindsey's release, as well as his public defender, Michelle Moore who pursued post-conviction DNA testing, are highlighted in the premiere of the series.
Critics have questioned the ethical issues posed by airing such sensitive material including the potential exploitation of victims and exonerees. Others have argued that the show is a sign of Watkin's political ambitions and his appetite for the spotlight. Regardless of the criticisms of show, Watkins' efforts to evaluate the validity of convictions is commendable. He has re-examined hundreds of petitions of prisoners seeking DNA testing, many of which were opposed by his predecessor, Bill Hill. Other prosecutors have decried his approach, but despite being dubbed the "The Exonerator" , Watkins' conviction rate is comparable with those who preceded him. This six part series airs on the Investigative Discovery Channel on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET.
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