A recent investigation has revealed troubling findings regarding the work of a former Ramsey County medical examiner, Dr. Michael McGee, spanning from 1985 to 2019. Prosecutors have raised concerns about McGee's history of delivering false or misleading reports, which may have impacted at least seven murder cases resulting in wrongful convictions or inflated charges.
The review, initiated in fall 2021, was prompted by a federal judge's decision to overturn the death sentence of a man convicted in a high-profile kidnapping and murder case. This ruling cast doubt on the reliability of McGee's work, leading to a comprehensive inquiry into potential miscarriages of justice.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of convictions and ensuring trust in the judicial system. A team of legal experts will now reassess McGee's autopsies in the identified cases to determine if convictions should be overturned or sentences reduced.
The cases under scrutiny involve individuals imprisoned for murder, with convictions primarily relying on cause of death reports provided by McGee. The legal team plans to engage three independent medical examiners to conduct a thorough reevaluation of McGee's work and its impact on the outcomes of these cases.
One pivotal case that triggered the investigation was the murder trial of Alfonso Rodriguez Jr., convicted in the 2003 killing of Dru Sjodin. The judge found discrepancies in McGee's testimony, highlighting instances where his opinions lacked scientific support and were inconsistent with autopsy reports.
Another case central to the probe is that of Thomas Rhodes, who spent nearly 25 years in prison before his murder conviction was vacated. McGee's testimony played a crucial role in Rhodes' conviction, which was later overturned based on new forensic evidence suggesting an accidental death.
The implications of McGee's questionable work extend beyond individual cases, raising concerns about the broader impact on the justice system. Legal advocates stress the need for a thorough review to address potential injustices and restore faith in the legal process.
