Ramsey County Attorney John Choi’s office is investigating dozens of cases involving the testimony or investigation of former medical examiner Dr. Michael McGee.
Last week, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced his office was vacating the murder conviction of a man who was sent to prison nearly 25 years ago for the death of his wife, who fell out of a boat. Ellison specifically pointed to the testimony of McGee as the factor that lead to a unit in his office reviewin the case.
“When these issues come up, we want to make sure we’re going backwards and looking at things with hindsight,” Choi told Chad Hartman Thursday afternoon on WCCO. “Hindsight is a very important tool for our justice system.”
Choi said his office is in the midst of the investigation, and has narrowed the field down to 71 cases involving McGee’s testimony and investigation.
“I am not wedded to protecting a conviction when it shouldn’t be, and I will do justice–whatever this investigation requires me to do I will do it,” said Choi.
This process may involve Choi delving into autopsies performed by McGee.
“Not every prosecutor in America will do this, but I think it’s really critical to ensure that we have trust and confidence by the public,” he said. “I have the power to review these things and make it right if it’s necessary.”