MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas — Garland "Butch" Martin's exoneration by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals was confirmed Wednesday, according to a press release from the Innocence Project of Texas.
The release stated that Martin had been convicted in 1999 on three counts of capital murder related to the deaths of his wife and children in a house fire.
Martin was released on bond in March and had been awaiting the decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals. It was reported that the court's ruling was influenced by substantial flaws later identified in the forensic and medical testimonies presented during the trial.
Allison Clayton, deputy director of the Innocence Project of Texas and Martin's attorney, expressed her satisfaction with the court's decision, stating, "we are thrilled that Butch’s name has finally been cleared."
In February 1998, Martin's wife, Marcia, along with their one-year-old daughter, Kristen and three-year-old son, Brady, died in a house fire while Martin was at a job site 20 minutes away. Despite his alibi, Martin was arrested and charged with their murders. Arson investigators testified during the trial that the fire was deliberately set based on evidence at that time that was presented of accelerants and the presence of a "pour pattern."
The release further stated that the Innocence Project of Texas demonstrated Martin's innocence by presenting testimony from renowned experts, who discredited the investigative techniques that were used in Martin's case. Subsequent scientific advancements revealed that the substances interpreted as accelerants in the fire debris were common household products and are present in many household products. It was acknowledged in the release that every expert that had been consulted, including the Fire Marshall of the State of Texas, concluded that the fire had not been intentionally set.
Additionally, evidence from multiple forensic pathologists were presented to challenge the accuracy of the medical testimony provided at trial. Furthermore, the doctor who testified against Martin lost his medical license and served time in federal prison.
Martin, who consistently maintained his innocence, expressed his relief, stating, "I knew one day, I would get justice for me and my family, and I am so happy that day has finally come."