Evidence Again Disputed at Willingham Hearing

On Jan. 7, in a split opinion, fire science experts laid out their theories on what caused the 1992 fire that killed Cameron Todd Willingham’s three children. The four experts appeared before a Texas Forensic Science Commission [TFSC] hearing. Willingham was convicted of arson-murder and executed in 2004.

The long-anticipated hearing, originally scheduled for 2009 but abruptly canceled after Gov. Rick Perry reorganized the TFSC, is the latest airing of expert opinions on the disputed fire investigation methods used in the case.

Two fire scientists, Craig Beyler and John DeHaan, told the TFSC that arson was unlikely, contradicting the original 1992 findings of investigators.

Two others, Ed Salazaar, Texas’ assistant state fire marshal, and Thomas Wood, an investigator with the Houston Fire Department, maintained the 1992 investigators employed proper methods in reaching their conclusion that arson likely the caused the fire.

The TFSC, a group charged with investigating forensic science in Texas criminal cases, will meet again on Jan. 21 to review the hearing and decide on next steps.

The Willingham case is examined in our October 2010 film Death by Fire. Explore original documents from the case and read interviews with people close to the investigation and Willingham.