Ep 23. Was Kevin Cooper Framed? Part 2

In the second part of the two-part special edition of 48 Hours, titled "Was Kevin Cooper Framed? Part 2," the focus remains on the case of Kevin Cooper, a man who was convicted of multiple murders in Chino Hills, California, in 1985. Cooper has been on death row for over three decades, maintaining his innocence all the while.

This episode picks up where the first part left off, with Cooper's defense team presenting new evidence that suggests the possibility of evidence tampering and a cover-up during the original investigation and trial. In particular, they point to the fact that DNA testing in 2002 revealed that the blood of one of the victims was consistent with multiple individuals, including one person who matched a man previously identified as a suspect, but who was never pursued further by law enforcement.

In this episode, journalist Erin Moriarty interviews additional witnesses and experts who weigh in on the case and the new evidence. One notable interviewee is Norman Hile, a former San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy who served as an evidence technician during the original investigation. Hile, who has since become an advocate for Cooper's innocence, shares his experiences with the evidence collection process and raises questions about possible contamination and mishandling of crucial items.

Other interviews include forensic experts who examine the circumstances and validity of the DNA testing, as well as family members and friends of Cooper who recount their relationships with him and their belief in his innocence. The episode also delves into the broader implications of the case, including issues of racism and misconduct within the criminal justice system.

As in the first part, the episode maintains a balanced approach, presenting arguments from both sides and raising questions rather than definitively concluding whether or not Cooper was framed. Instead, it presents a complex and layered picture of a case that has captivated legal and public attention for over thirty years, leaving viewers to draw their own conclusions about what may have happened and whether justice has been served.