Convicting the Innocent
DNA Exonerations Database

Michael Anthony Williams

First NameMichael Anthony
Last NameWilliams
Year of Conviction1981
Year of Exoneration2005
State of ConvictionLouisiana
Trial, Bench Trial, or Guilty PleaTrial
Type of CrimeRape
Death SentenceNo
Life / LWOP sentenceLife without parole
Gender of ExonereeMale
Race of exonereeBlack
JuvenileYes
Type of Innocence Defense
  • Alibi
Description / Quotes from Testimony Concerning Defense

● Defendant’s grandmother and sister testified that defendant was asleep the night the crime occurred.

Did the defendant testify at trial?Yes
Quotes from Exoneree Testimony

Defendant described being at home at his grandmothers house the night of the crime and denied committing the crime.

Types of evidence at trial
  • Eyewitness
  • Forensic Evidence
Type of Forensic Evidence
  • Shoe print
Types of Flawed Forensics
  • Valid
Brief Quote / Description of Testimony

The shoe prints were found not to match him, the fingerprints not suitable for comparison, and the serology was consistent with the victim’s type

Identity of eyewitness
  • Intraracial Identificaiton
  • Victim
Suggestive Procedures

No –Acquainted with victim

Unreliable Identification?

No

Highest level reachedNR
Citations to judicial opinions

State v. Williams, 413 So.2d 515 (La. 1982) (Table)
State ex rel. Williams v. Maggio, 458 So.2d 915 (La. 1984)

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