The Wrong Carlos

The Wrong Carlos investigates the execution of Carlos DeLuna in Texas in 1989, examining whether an innocent man was put to death. A Columbia Law School team spent years reconstructing the case, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses. The book follows the path of the original investigation and trial while simultaneously building a parallel narrative about Carlos Hernandez, another man who may have committed the crime. Through police records, court documents, and firsthand accounts, the authors trace the steps that led to DeLuna's conviction. The investigation exposes flaws in the criminal justice system, including eyewitness identification procedures, police work, and the handling of evidence. The authors present their findings in a straightforward chronological format, allowing readers to evaluate the facts themselves. The Wrong Carlos stands as a study of systemic issues in capital punishment cases and raises questions about the reliability of evidence in death penalty convictions. The book contributes to ongoing debates about criminal justice reform and the use of capital punishment in America.

Readers describe The Wrong Carlos as a meticulously researched examination of a flawed death penalty case. Many reviews note its clear presentation of complex evidence and systematic breakdown of how the wrong person was executed. Readers appreciated: - Detailed documentation and primary sources - Step-by-step analysis showing investigative errors - Photos and exhibits that support the findings - Accessible writing style despite technical subject matter Common criticisms: - Some sections become repetitive - Legal terminology can be dense - A few readers found the pacing slow in the middle chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (126 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (58 ratings) From reviews: "Presents compelling evidence through careful research rather than emotional appeals" -Goodreads reviewer "The thorough documentation makes the conclusions impossible to dismiss" -Amazon reviewer "At times gets bogged down in procedural details, but the overall impact is powerful" -LibraryThing review

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🔍 Author James S. Liebman spent six years investigating the case of Carlos DeLuna with his Columbia Law School students, reviewing over 100 witness interviews and analyzing thousands of pages of documents. ⚖️ The book reveals how Texas executed Carlos DeLuna in 1989 for a murder that was likely committed by another man named Carlos - Carlos Hernandez - highlighting a tragic case of mistaken identity. 🗃️ The investigation uncovered that police had never pursued Carlos Hernandez as a suspect, despite his history of similar knife attacks and multiple witnesses connecting him to the crime. ⏱️ The entire investigation of DeLuna by police lasted only 24 hours before his arrest, and his trial was completed in just six days. 🎓 The project that led to this book became one of the most comprehensive investigations of a criminal case in U.S. history and is now used as a teaching tool in law schools across the country.