Texas death row prisoner seeks new trial

The Death Penalty Information Center has reported that Charles Flores, who was convicted and sentenced to death in 1999 for the 1998 robbery and murder of Elizabeth Black, is seeking a new trial.

At the time, Mr Flores was convicted due to the testimony of the victim’s neighbour who only identified Mr Flores after being hypnotised by the police.

There was no physical or DNA evidence connecting Mr Flores to the crime. Memory experts have found that investigative hypnosis lacks proven effectiveness for improving an individual’s recall ability and may create false memories in crime victims and witnesses.

As such, the attorneys for Mr Flores are seeking that he be granted a new trial, due to the changes in the understanding of witness testimony and changes in law regarding the use of hypnotised testimony.

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