Michael Burgund: Illinois; False confessions (2): Convicted of raping two little girls he gets a new trial and his life sentence overturned...Appeal court ruled that the trial judge should have permitted the psychologist to testify about Burgund’s suggestibility, so that the jury could consider whether the confession was real or false..."Medical evidence was also inconclusive, supporting the state’s allegations but also explainable by innocent causes, the decision read. Burgund’s videotaped confession to Alton Police was offered into evidence, as well as statements the children made to their mother and interviewers at the Child Advocacy Center. In his defense, Burgund testified that he never abused the girls and gave a false confession because he had been coerced into doing so by the girls’ mother and was psychologically manipulated into believing he had abused the children. In pretrial rulings, Callis excluded testimony from witnesses who allegedly would have corroborated aspects of his testimony regarding his psychological condition, and from a psychological expert who would have testified that Burgund was “highly suggestible and easily led.”

GIST: "An Alton man convicted of raping two toddlers and sentenced to life in prison will get a new trial after the appellate court overturned his conviction in Madison County. In December 2012, a jury found Michael Burgund, 33, guilty of five counts of predatory sexual assault. He was accused of sexual penetration and molestation of two toddler girls between the ages of 1 and 3 years old. In early 2013, he was sentenced to natural life in prison But now the 5th District Appellate Court in Mount Vernon has overturned that conviction, and bound Burgund over for a new trial. According to testimony offered at trial, Burgund walked into the Alton Police Department in April 2011 and confessed to molesting the girls. There was no law enforcement involvement up to that time. Alton Police Officer Michael Beaber testified that Burgund was “nervous but cooperative,” and remarked that it was unusual for someone to walk in and confess to such a serious crime. The trial took place in 2012 under then-Circuit Judge Ann Callis, and the older girl — then 5 years old — testified against him. However, the appellate decision said the child’s testimony was “vague and inconclusive.” The state argued that Burgund had not been diagnosed with a specific psychological condition or personality disorder. Callis agreed, and excluded the psychological testimony. But the appellate decision said Callis should have permitted the psychologist to testify about Burgund’s suggestibility, so that the jury could consider whether the confession was real or false. Callis declined to comment.........As a result of the appeals court ruling, the conviction is reversed and Burgund will be remanded over for a new trial. Madison County Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Mudge said they fully intend to proceed with the charges as soon as the case is officially remanded back to them."

The entire story can be found at;

http://www.bnd.com/news/local/crime/article116520983.html

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith. Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at: http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com. Harold Levy; Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog.