Former prosecutors in Alameda County are under scrutiny for allegedly excluding Black and Jewish jurors from death penalty cases, leading to a federal judge ordering a review of dozens of such cases, District Attorney Pamela Price revealed on Monday.

Prompting Federal Review

District Attorney Pamela Price announced that her office has initiated a review of 35 death penalty cases due to concerns of prosecutorial misconduct. This review follows accusations that Black and Jewish individuals were deliberately excluded from serving on juries in these cases.

Setting Up a Hotline

To assist those impacted by the ongoing review, the Alameda County District Attorney’s office has established a hotline. Victims and survivors affected by the cases are encouraged to reach out for support and information. The hotline number is (510) 208-9555, and individuals can also contact victim-witness advocates via email at [email protected].

Investigation Process

Price stated that her office is actively investigating all 35 of the county’s existing death penalty cases. This investigation was prompted by U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria following suspicions of misconduct during the resentencing proceedings of Ernest Dykes.

Case Background

Ernest Dykes, convicted in 1993 for the attempted murder of Bernice Clark and the murder of her 9-year-old grandson Lance Clark, was sentenced to death in 1995. Price’s office revealed that the cases under review date as far back as 1977, indicating the extensive scope of the investigation.

Uncertain Duration

As the review process unfolds, it remains uncertain how long it will take to complete or the extent of prosecutorial misconduct that may be uncovered. Price’s announcement underscores the importance of ensuring fairness and impartiality in the judicial system.

Conclusion: Ensuring Justice Prevails

The investigation into alleged misconduct by former prosecutors in Alameda County highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability within the legal system. District Attorney Pamela Price’s commitment to thoroughly review these cases reflects the pursuit of justice and fairness for all individuals impacted by past injustices. As the investigation progresses, the importance of upholding the integrity of jury selection and ensuring equal representation remains paramount. For updates on this developing story, download The Local News App.

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