Death by Fire

At the center of the national death penalty debate today is the controversial case of Cameron Todd Willingham, put to death for the arson-murder of his three little girls. But was he guilty?

FAQsHow common are questionable arson conviction cases like this one? More-- InterviewsElizabeth Gilbert: an early skeptic. Gerald Hurst: arson expert. Sgt. Jimmie Hensley: 'he did it' DocumentsStacy and Todd's police interviews, the prison letters, a shocking final statement ... ReadingsLocal/national stories; the science of arson; debating capital punishment DiscussionIs this the case that could change the death penalty debate?

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February 1, 2012, 5:04 pm
How New Fire Science is Influencing Old Cases

Advances in fire science have called into question some past convictions. Here’s an update on a few cases, from Texas to California. Are there innocent people behind bars?

October 25, 2011, 4:52 pm
Did Texas Execute an Innocent Man? Answers Remain Elusive…

Did Texas execute an innocent man? FRONTLINE asked the question a year ago when we first aired Death by Fire, … Continue reading →

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Did Texas execute an innocent man?

Several controversial death penalty cases are currently under examination in Texas and in other states, but it's the 2004 execution of Cameron Todd Willingham -- convicted for the arson deaths of his three young children -- that's now at the center of the national debate.

In Death by Fire, FRONTLINE gains unique access to those closest to the Willingham case -- meticulously examining the evidence used to convict Willingham, offering an in-depth portrait of those most impacted by the case, and exploring the explosive implications of the execution of a possibly innocent man. (read more »)

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