News

KWIP Client, Stephen Martinez Is Free After 27 Years!

Erin Calkins — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:58:41 +0000

KWIP Client, Stephen Martinez Is Free After 27 Years! Erin Calkins Wed, 04/22/2026 - 10:58

Stephen Martinez, who spent more than 27 years imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, was freed on April 21, 2026, by a Denver District Court judge after new evidence showed the infant he was convicted of murdering had a pre-existing respiratory illness that caused her death.

The court’s ruling follows years of extensive investigation and advocacy led by Korey Wise Innocence Project (KWIP) at the University of Colorado Boulder Law School with support from Stinson LLP, including Perry Glantz and Judith Araujo, along with Seth Temin.

The Denver District Attorney's Conviction Review Unit also conducted their own thorough investigation and agreed to vacate Mr. Martinez's conviction.

“This case is a tragedy on every front,” said Jeanne Segil, assistant director of KWIP. “A four-month-old girl died. A grieving family thought they found justice for their loss. But the system failed them and Mr. Martinez. We now know he did not cause the baby’s death - yet he lost over 27 years of his life imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.”

Mr. Martinez’s case is a classic example of the changing science around “shaken baby syndrome,” which led to the convictions of dozens of people who were later exonerated. Modern medical science has fundamentally altered how “shaken baby” cases are evaluated; it is now understood that there are many other causes of these deaths.

Mr. Martinez was convicted and sentenced to life without parole after the 4-month-old infant he was watching for his girlfriend died during a medical emergency. Although Mr. Martinez had no prior violent criminal history, called 911 and attempted lifesaving measures, he became a suspect. During a late-night interrogation, he made self-incriminating statements that he later recanted.

Mr. Martinez was convicted based on those initial statements and medical findings congruent with “shaken baby syndrome,” as well as a small linear fracture in the baby’s head, which at the time of trial was discounted as a possible cause of death. In 1998, it was widely believed that these findings could only be caused by violent shaking.

Four new medical experts, including one retained by the Denver District Attorney’s office, concluded that the diagnosis relied upon at trial no longer aligned with current scientific understanding, particularly in light of the infant’s documented medical history. They agreed that the cause of death was pneumonia and related lung disease, not trauma. In addition, new evidence presented to the court showed that Mr. Martinez falsely confessed during a police interrogation. An expert determined that the statements he made during initial questioning were unreliable and directly contradicted the physical evidence in the case.

Mr. Martinez did not receive effective assistance of counsel because counsel failed to retain medical experts to investigate alternative causes of death. In addition, the defense presented evidence of other serious failures that were not addressed in the court’s ruling, including counsel not trying to suppress his false confession even after Mr. Martinez asked to stop the interrogation and failing to present critical medical history of the infant to the jury.

“It’s hard to find the right words on a day like this,” Mr. Martinez said. “After more than 27 years in prison for a crime I did not commit, I am finally free. I am looking forward to reuniting with my family and rebuilding my life.”

Mr. Martinez continued: “People often talk about light at the end of the tunnel, but for me, I didn’t even have a tunnel. I was serving life without parole. My appeals had all been denied. I was out of hope. And then I received a letter from the Korey Wise Innocence Project almost four years ago saying that they were going to review my case. And thanks to their efforts, my entire legal team, and the amazing experts on my case, I can finally return home, an innocent man, and rebuild my life.”

“We are glad Mr. Martinez can return home and begin rebuilding his life, but 27 years of wrongful incarceration leaves lasting harm,” Segil said. “During his incarceration, Mr. Martinez suffered from inadequate medical care that resulted in amputation of his leg and loss of vision in his right eye. Reentry brings significant challenges, however, he is resilient and intends to give back to the community and reconnect with loved ones.”

The Korey Wise Innocence Project remains committed to identifying and correcting wrongful convictions across Colorado and to addressing the systemic failures that lead to injustice.

Stephen Martinez, who spent more than 27 years imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, was freed today by a Denver District Court judge after new evidence showed the infant he was convicted of murdering had a pre-existing respiratory illness that caused her death.

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2026 KWIP Innocence Gala

Erin Calkins — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:28:47 +0000

2026 KWIP Innocence Gala Erin Calkins Wed, 07/23/2025 - 15:28

Save the Date - October 2, 2026

2026 Sponsorship Levels

KWIP Champion Sponsor - $25,000

Acknowledgement on invitation and all marketing about event.
Acknowledgment of sponsorship by auctioneer during live auction at event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship, with top billing, on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Full-page size logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
Presentation (for CLE credit, DEI or Ethics) with exoneree at your firm or office.
Time on stage during the gala to introduce your work to our 300+ gala guests.
10 tickets to the event.
FMV: $1050

Exoneration Sponsor - $15,000

Acknowledgement on invitation and all marketing about event.
Acknowledgment of sponsorship by auctioneer during live auction at event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship, with top billing, on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Full-page size logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
Presentation (for CLE credit, DEI or Ethics) with exoneree at your firm or office.
10 tickets to the event.
FMV: $1050

Innocence Sponsor - $10,000

Acknowledgment of sponsorship by auctioneer during live auction at event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Half-page sized logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
Presentation (for CLE credit, DEI or Ethics) at your firm or office.
8 tickets to the event.
FMV: $850

Justice Sponsor - $7,500

Acknowledgement of sponsorship on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Quarter-page sized logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
6 tickets to event.
FMV: $600

Freedom Sponsor - $5,000

Acknowledgement of sponsorship on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Quarter-page sized logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
4 tickets to event.
FMV: $400

Advocate Sponsor - $2,500

Acknowledgement of sponsorship on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Logo included in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
2 tickets to event.
FMV: $200

Artist Sponsor - $3,000

This is a unique sponsorship opportunity that involves paying our incarcerated artists directly for their work. Please inquire with us if you’re interested in participating in this unique sponsorship opportunity.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on video screen scrolling during event.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP website.
Acknowledgement of sponsorship on KWIP’s Facebook and Instagram.
Quarter-page sized logo in Event Program distributed to all attendees.
4 tickets to event.
FMV: $400

Please email erin.calkins@colorado.edu to reserve your sponsorship package today!

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Proposed House Bill 1275

Erin Calkins — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 20:52:53 +0000

Proposed House Bill 1275 Erin Calkins Thu, 02/27/2025 - 13:52

Colorado lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan proposal aimed at tackling the fallout from the misconduct of former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist Yvonne “Missy” Woods. The CBI has found that Woods manipulated tests results in hundreds of cases.

The proposed House Bill 1275 seeks to bring transparency and accountability to the state’s DNA testing labs by not only preventing future misconduct, but also investigating past errors—specifically those stemming from Woods' actions—and ensuring that those wrongfully convicted are notified.

At KWIP we understand the deep harm caused when faulty forensic work leads to wrongful convictions. But this isn’t just about those who’ve been unjustly imprisoned—it’s also about the victims and their families. Missy Woods' misconduct undermines the trust in our legal system, which affects the victims seeking closure and those wrongfully convicted who still carry the weight of a crime they didn’t commit.

By supporting HB 1275, the “Colorado Forensic Science Integrity Act,” we’re fighting for a system that works for everyone—where the innocent are exonerated, and the voices of victims and their families are heard. As our staff attorney Jud Lohnes says, "When an innocent person is convicted, we all lose."

It’s time to rebuild trust, stand up for those who’ve been silenced and fight for a legal system that works for everyone.

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Thank you to our 2024 Gala Sponsors!

Erin Calkins — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:48:25 +0000

Thank you to our 2024 Gala Sponsors! Erin Calkins Wed, 01/22/2025 - 09:48

Thank you to our 2024 Faces of Innocence Gala sponsors!

Without you, we could not continue to do this work. Thank you for your dedicated support.

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Gala Tickets and Sponsorship Packages are now LIVE!

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 20:27:27 +0000

Gala Tickets and Sponsorship Packages are now LIVE! Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:27

We have exciting news – tickets and sponsorship packages for KWIP’s Faces of Innocence Gala are officially LIVE!

Secure your sponsorship package or event ticket early! With limited availability, we strongly encourage you to plan ahead for this unforgettable evening. Join us at the Four Seasons Hotel on October 17 for what promises to be our most impactful gala yet.

Expect an evening filled with drinks, a plated dinner, inspirational speakers, captivating programming, and an exhibit featuring artwork from incarcerated artists. Plus, don’t miss out on our thrilling live auction!

We rely on supporters and donors like you to empower KWIP and drive our mission forward. Let’s unite to create an even greater impact together!

Purchase your tickets and sponshorship packages today!

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Save the Date for our annual Faces of Innocence Gala!

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 19:25:18 +0000

Save the Date for our annual Faces of Innocence Gala! Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 06/10/2024 - 13:25

Save the Date for KWIP's Faces of Innocence Gala!

October 17, 2024 from 6-10pm at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Denver, CO.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Sponsorship opportunities are still available, please contact erin.calkins@colorado.edu for more information.

Tickets will be on sale soon, stay tuned!

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Thank You to our 2023 Gala Sponsors

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 21:14:55 +0000

Thank You to our 2023 Gala Sponsors Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 04/26/2024 - 15:14

Thank you to our 2023 Platinum, Gold, and Silver Gala Sponsors:

Stimson LaBranche Hubbard

Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti

Fisher & Byrialsen

Haddon Morgan and Foreman

Magellan Development Group

Thank you to our 2023 Platinum, Gold, and Silver Gala Sponsors

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KWIP's first bill signed into law

Anonymous — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 01:25:39 +0000

KWIP's first bill signed into law Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 01/27/2022 - 18:25

A new Colorado law, drafted by KWIP attorneys, modernizes Colorado's post-conviction DNA testing statute, making it easier for the wrongfully convicted to get the DNA testing they need to prove their innocence.

Colorado's old statute imposed too high a bar to obtain DNA testing and has kept innocent people behind bars. By improving the statute, KWIP hopes to create more avenues for relief in order to bring our innocent clients home.

The bill won bipartisan support in both the Colorado House of Representatives and the Colorado Senate. Indeed, it was approved unanimously in both chambers and was signed into law by Governor Polis on March 10, 2023.

This legislative success was the result of a lot of hard work. KWIP engaged with stakeholders throughout the process and received the support of the Colorado District Attorneys Council and the Attorney General’s Office.

At hearings before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, KWIP made sure to prioritize the voices of directly-impacted people. Robert “Rider” Dewey, one of just three people exonerated by DNA testing in Colorado, explained to legislators that he initially petitioned for testing under the 2003 statute and was denied. Mr. Dewey’s story epitomized the need for our proposed changes to the statute, and he brought to life the human toll of wrongful convictions. Ray Krone also testified about how DNA testing saved his life after he was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death in Arizona.

Anne-Marie Moyes, Executive Director at KWIP, Jeanne Segil, Policy Director at KWIP, and Jemil Kassahun, KWIP student volunteer and 2L at Colorado Law, also testified before the Judiciary Committee. A number of legislators approached us afterwards and thanked us for our impactful presentation.

All of us at KWIP are excited to change the legal landscape and reduce barriers for our clients to access DNA testing. In addition, we have developed lasting partnerships and built trust with important stakeholders. We know that this is just the beginning for KWIP’s policy efforts.

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KWIP client Deborah Nicholls featured on Wrongful Convictions podcast

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 03:55:37 +0000

KWIP client Deborah Nicholls featured on Wrongful Convictions podcast Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 12/07/2021 - 20:55

In 2003, Deborah (Deb) and Tim Nicholls lost their three young children in a tragic house fire. Four years later, both Deb and Tim were wrongfully convicted of deliberately setting the fire. The prosecution's case rested on flawed fire science, a discredited expert, and a notorious jailhouse snitch. Today, nationally renowned experts in fire science all agree that there is absolutely no evidence of arson.

KWIP and co-counsel Janene McCabe are representing Deb in post-conviction proceedings. In October 2022, we filed a 93-page post-conviction motion that explains how fire science has evolved since the time of trial and why there is no longer any credible evidence of arson.

Deb's story was recently featured on the popular podcast Wrongful Convictions. The host Maggie Freleng interviewed Deb as well as KWIP staff. Here's the link to the episode released in February 2023: https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/331-maggie-freleng-with-deborah-nicholls/

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KWIP reviewing cases involving discredited forensic discipline of hair microscopy

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 03:52:27 +0000

KWIP reviewing cases involving discredited forensic discipline of hair microscopy Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 12/07/2021 - 20:52

In 2021, KWIP and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced a partnership to review Colorado cases involving the discredited forensic discipline of hair microscopy. Before the advent of DNA technology, analysts would use hair microscopy to visually compare hairs from a crime scene with sample hairs from a suspect. They would then reach a probabilistic conclusion about whether the hairs came from the same source.

Once DNA testing was developed as a forensic tool, it showed that hair microscopy was wholly unreliable. The FBI conducted a review of thousands of cases where FBI analysts performed hair microscopy. And, the FBI encouraged state crime laboratories to conduct similar audits of their own hair microscopy work.

Jud Lohnes joined KWIP in May 2022 to manage our review of hair microscopy cases. Fortunately for people convicted based on this faulty science, new DNA testing offers a potential path to exoneration. If the crime scene hairs are still available, they can now be subject to DNA testing.

For more information about KWIP's hair microscopy review, see this article from the Daily Camera.

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