The Murder of Penny Anderson (Massachusetts)
Dark Downeast
Deep Dive
Why was Edward Wright initially arrested for the murder of Penny Anderson?
Edward Wright was initially arrested based on witness statements placing him at the scene, a phone call implicating him, and a photo identification by Penny's former boyfriend.
What evidence was found at the crime scene of Penny Anderson's murder?
Evidence included a bloody shoe print, blood samples, and a blood-soaked length of pink ribbon used to bind Penny's hands. No weapon or foreign fingerprints were found.
What was the cause of Penny Anderson's death?
Penny was stabbed 60 times and died from a fatal wound to her jugular vein and carotid artery.
Why did Arthur Turner initially identify Edward Wright as the murderer in a phone call?
Arthur Turner initially identified Edward Wright based on a phone call where the caller, claiming to be Edward, admitted to the murder.
What inconsistencies were found in Arthur Turner's testimony during Edward Wright's trial?
Arthur Turner's testimony changed during the trial; he could not positively identify Edward Wright as the caller who admitted to the murder, despite having signed a statement to the contrary.
What new evidence emerged years after Edward Wright's conviction?
New evidence included statements from Allen Small's former girlfriend, Maria Rivera, who claimed Allen confessed to the murder, and DNA evidence that did not match Edward Wright's profile.
Why did the defense argue that Edward Wright was not guilty despite the evidence?
The defense argued that while there was evidence placing Edward at the scene and his admission to being with Penny, there was no conclusive motive or physical evidence linking him to the murder.
What challenges did Edward Wright face in his multiple appeals for a new trial?
Challenges included inconsistent witness testimony, lack of conclusive physical evidence, and issues with the effectiveness of his legal counsel.
How did racial bias potentially affect Edward Wright's trial?
Edward Wright, a Black man, was tried by a jury with only one Black member, raising concerns about potential racial bias in the jury's decision-making process.
What role did the New England Innocence Project play in Edward Wright's latest appeal?
The New England Innocence Project supported Edward Wright's latest appeal by providing legal representation and arguing for a new trial based on newly discovered DNA evidence and other discrepancies in the case.
- Penny Anderson was found murdered in her Springfield apartment in 1984.
- Edward Wright was quickly identified as a suspect and arrested.
- Penny was stabbed 60 times and had seminal fluid found in her body.
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