BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A group of religious leaders, attorneys and others plans to ask the Alabama Supreme Court for a new trial in the case of a death row inmate accused in the fatal shooting of a convenience store clerk.
A coalition including “Law and Order” star Sam Waterston, National Clergy Council President Rev. Rob Schenck and others said Monday they believe a new trial could lead to the exoneration of William Kuenzel, who was convicted in a 1987 murder and robbery in Talladega County and has maintained his innocence for years.
“This is about an examination of new and compelling facts that will prove that one man did not commit this crime and it’s time to go after the one that did.” Schenck said at a news conference.
Critical evidence discovered in 2010 that could have cleared Kuenzel wasn’t presented in court and was suppressed until long after his sentencing, Kuenzel’s attorney David Kochman said.
Several issues including ineffective counsel and reliance on questionable witness testimony led to his conviction, Kochman and others have said.