Convicting the Innocent
DNA Exonerations Database

Maria Garcia

First NameMaria
Last NameGarcia
Year of Conviction1998
Year of Exoneration2008
Testing inculpated culpritNon-Cold Hit
State of ConvictionTexas
Trial, Bench Trial, or Guilty PleaGuilty Plea
Type of CrimeArmed Assault
Death SentenceNo
Gender of ExonereeFemale
Race of exonereeHispanic
JuvenileNo
Mentally Ill or Intellectually DisabledMentally Ill
Type of Innocence Defense
  • Third Party Guilt
Description / Quotes from Testimony Concerning DefenseThe defense presented evidence of Maria's mental state during the interrogation, suggesting her confession was coerced.
Did the defendant testify at trial?No
Types of evidence at trial
  • Confession
Interrogation RecordedNo, interrogation not recorded
Jailhouse informant, Co-defendant, Incentivized WitnessWitness received immunity agreement in exchange for testimony
Highest level reachedAppeal
Claims Raised During All Appeals and Postconviction
  • Coerced Confession
  • Due Process
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