Charles Chatman | DNA Exoneration in Texas
Hall of Records • Wrongful Conviction
Charles Chatman | DNA Exoneration in Texas
Charles Chatman was wrongly convicted of aggravated rape in Dallas and served more than 26 years before DNA testing proved his innocence and led to his exoneration in 2008.
Case Overview
What Happened
Chatman was identified by a victim through photo and live lineups and convicted of a rape he did not commit, receiving a 99-year sentence.
Official Record
Findings and Legal Status
Post-conviction DNA testing on preserved biological evidence excluded him and identified another man, leading the court to vacate his conviction and dismiss charges.
Why This Record Matters
Accountability and Context
His case demonstrates the limits of eyewitness identification, misused serology, and the power of DNA testing to correct wrongful convictions affecting Black men.
Case Timeline
Key Events
- 1981: Chatman is convicted and sentenced to 99 years.
- 2008: DNA testing leads to his exoneration and release.
Open Record
Unanswered Questions
- What changes did Dallas implement regarding eyewitness procedures?
- How did Texas’s DNA testing statute enable this exoneration?
- What compensation and support did Chatman receive?
Primary Sources
Review the Record
Image credit: Photograph via Innocence Project and news coverage; confirm rights before reuse.
