Alexis Rodriguez Sues NYC, DNA Analysts Over 15-Year Wrongful Rape Conviction

1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 23

Alexis Rodriguez, 42, has sued New York City and medical examiner’s office DNA analysts, alleging fabricated forensic evidence drove his wrongful attempted rape conviction.
A judge overturned the conviction in 2021 after finding his trial lawyer had inadequately challenged the DNA evidence that linked Rodriguez to a 2010 Staten Island attack.
The city lab had reported a DNA match more than a year after the victim gave police her scarf and gloves, and Rodriguez was convicted in 2014 and sentenced to 15 years.
Rodriguez’s lawyer said the case is the first known lawsuit against New York City medical examiner’s office staff over DNA analysis tied to a wrongful conviction.