Thirty-five death penalty cases in Alameda County are in limbo due to potential misconduct by prosecutors during jury selection. An investigation revealed evidence of intentional exclusion of Black and Jewish people from juries, violating defendants’ right to a fair trial.
The bombshell investigation began with the case of Ernest Dykes, sentenced to death in 1995 for murdering a landlord’s grandson. Handwritten notes detailed a strategy to exclude specific demographic groups from the jury pool.
District Attorney Pamela Price announced the findings, emphasizing that her office is committed to rooting out unethical behavior. The review could lead to re-sentencings or retrials for convicted murderers.
Price outlined the legal implications, stating that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a trial by an impartial jury of one’s peers. Any practice to eliminate potential jurors based on race betrays the core principle of the criminal justice system.
The investigation has notified some victims’ families, but the District Attorney’s Office continues to reach out to others. Anyone affected by the cases can contact the assigned Victim-Witness Advocates.
