Medill Justice Project investigation finds crucial details overlooked in case against Florida man condemned to death row
Nearly 40 years ago, William Thomas "Tommy" Zeigler was convicted of four murders and sentenced to death row. MJP's investigation sheds light on two witnesses who call into question Zeigler's guilt but whose accounts never made it into the trial. Prosecutors argued Zeigler shot himself to make it appear he was the victim of a robbery. But experts say it is practically unheard of for someone to shoot themselves in the lower torso, risking death, to cover up a crime. And the two key witnesses against Zeigler offered accounts of the night of the crime that have changed over the years while details have disappeared. Zeigler's fate is in play as he seeks new DNA testing in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down Florida's death penalty sentencing rules.
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Thank you again for all of your continued support.
All the best, Prof. Alec Klein Director of The Medill Justice Project MEDILL | Northwestern University |
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