Edmonds in particular checked off a lot of boxes of the factors that can lead to false confessions. He was a minor who had been coerced by a family member whom he trusted and admired. He was also a minor who had just been separated from a parent. He was emotionally and physically immature for his age, also common among false confessors. Edmonds also quickly recanted his confession, common among the innocent. And his confession itself contained inconsistencies, included falsehoods and fell short of taking complete responsibility for the crime. These, too, are all factors common among people who falsely confess.
Read complete article by Radley Balko at WashingtonPost.com
Share this:
