Trial by Fire

by David Grann

It's been a little while since I last read a piece in the New Yorker that is this involved. David Grann reports on the case of Cameron Todd Willingham, a father whose three young children died in a house fire in Corsicana Texas in 1991. Later, Willingham was charged with the murder of the kids, once fire investigators determined that arson was the cause of the fire. This being Texas, Willingham was sentenced to be executed, which finally took place in February 2004.

The beginning of the article does a very good job of setting up the case of the prosecution, and paints a likely picture of Willingham as a murderer. Then, as the article continues, it begins to shed light on the doubt that existed around the case. Witnesses stories shifted as the case dragged on. Renowned fire experts were able to dispute every claim made by the original investigators. Willingham continued to maintain his innocence. Of course, this being Texas, he was executed anyway.

The article raises important questions about the death penalty, and discusses the ramifications of executing an innocent person. It is now believed that Willingham was the first in Texas to die under such circumstances. Grann's writing is clear and avoids the easy, emotional approach. Instead, he clearly lays out a set of facts, and leaves it for the reader to draw some of his or her own conclusions.

This is a powerful article, and an important part of any debate over capital punishment.