Ex-FBI agents set to begin review of North Carolina crime lab in wake of innocence inquiry

Ex-FBI agents set to begin review of NC crime lab

RALEIGH, N.C. — Two former assistant directors of the FBI are beginning a review of North Carolina’s crime lab following revelations that led to a groundbreaking exoneration of a man wrongly accused in a 1991 murder.

A spokeswoman for Attorney General Roy Cooper says the independent assessment will begin with meetings Thursday. Cooper ordered a review of cases dating to the 1990s.

Past practices at the state crime lab Cooper now overseas came into focus after judges exonerated Greg Taylor after a lengthy inquiry into his claim of innocence. State Bureau of Investigation Director Robin Pendergraft has said the lab had a now-defunct policy of not automatically providing complete notes on blood test results for trials.

Cooper has also ordered an internal review of the matter.