Exonerated man in rape case, his accuser to speak at Miami Regionals event

The story of a mistakenly accused rapist and the friendship he formed with his accuser will be the centerpiece of Miami University Regional Campus’ upcoming Criminal Justice Week events.

Keynote speakers and co-authors of “Picking Cotton,” Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton, a rape victim and the man she falsely accused — in good faith — collaborate to share a story of dangerously mistaken identity, forgiveness and the justice system, said Daniel Hall, Chair of the Department of Justice and Community Studies.

“Their story is compelling, raising important questions about eyewitness identification, race, sex and class, while revealing insights about forgiveness, emotional healing and human nature,” Hall said.

They will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Wilks Conference Center. A reception and book signing will follow the lecture.

Hall said the public is invited to all Criminal Justice Week events, including:

  • A screening of the documentary "What Jennifer Saw" at 7 p.m. Monday in the Wilks Conference Center. The documentary takes a look at the circumstances of the case in which Cotton spent 11 years in prison and was then released when DNA evidence exonerated him.
  • Career Symposium & Alumni/Community Reception from 8:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday in the Wilks Conference Center. Criminal justice professionals will be on hand to speak with anyone interested in the field. The Career Symposium will be followed by an Alumni/Community Reception from noon to 2 p.m.
  • "Science and the Law of Memory" panel discussion from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Miami Middletown's Room 142 Campus & Community Center. Panelists include Michelle Abraham, Psychology; Colin Bolger, Justice and Community Studies; John Forren, Political Science; and Daniel Hall, Justice and Community Studies.

For more information on any of these events, call 513-785-3170.

About the Author