Attorneys say DNA proves W.Va. inmate is innocent - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

Attorneys say DNA proves W.Va. inmate is innocent

Posted:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Attorneys for a man who has served 11 years for a rape they say DNA proves he didn't commit are asking a judge to release him.

Attorneys with the Innocence Project will appear in Harris County Circuit Court Thursday to argue that Joseph Buffey's conviction should be overturned.

Buffey pleaded guilty to the 2001 rape and robbery of an elderly Clarksburg woman, but quickly recanted.

In 2011, the Innocence Project secured a DNA test that attorneys say exonerates Buffey. After more than a year in court, Buffey won the right to test that DNA against a national criminal database and it matched someone who is currently serving time for other crimes.

Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Shaffer is fighting the motion, saying the tests do not prove Buffey is innocent.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WVVA.
All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance with issues relating to the content of this station's public inspection file should contact Administrative Assistant Audrey Sluss at (304) 324-0659. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, at 888-835-5322 (TTY) or at fccinfo@fcc.gov.