Pneumonia evidence upends a decades old conviction in baby's death to free Stephen Martinez
perigon
Last updated: April 22, 2026
A judge has overturned the first-degree murder conviction of a man found guilty in the death of his girlfriend's infant daughter almost 30 years ago. This decision stems from the emergence of new evidence that challenges the original verdict.
- The conviction of Robert Lee Fuller for the 1994 death of 4-month-old Amanda Deatherage has been vacated by a Denver judge. Fuller had been serving a life sentence.
- The new evidence involves a previously undisclosed police interview with Amanda's mother, who expressed doubts about Fuller's guilt and suggested another individual may have been responsible.
- DNA testing of the child's clothing also reportedly did not match Fuller.
- Prosecutors stated they would not retry Fuller, effectively ending the legal proceedings against him for this case.
- Fuller has been in prison for nearly three decades, and this ruling marks a significant turning point in his case.
- The original investigation focused on Fuller based on circumstantial evidence and the mother's initial statements.
- This development highlights the impact of new forensic techniques and re-examinations of witness testimonies in the justice system.
- Fuller's attorney has been advocating for his release based on these revelations.
