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Burkhart convicted of 2001 homicide of William LeDeau in Great Falls based on single witness; conviction overturned after Montana Innocence Project found post-conviction jailhouse informant told police another inmate confessed to killing LeDeau with motive, info never disclosed to defense. Another testifying witness later said he lied. Cascade County prosecutors declined to re-try (Jan). Burkhart had 2006 prison riot conviction and 2010 attempted deliberate homicide charge. Legislative hearing Jan 29, 2019 on wrongful conviction bills.
Montana Senate committee heard bills on vacating convictions for new non-DNA evidence and reliability hearings for incentivized witnesses. Richard Burkhart (exonerated of 2001 Great Falls homicide of William LeDeau) testified he was convicted on single witness; post-conviction jailhouse informant told police another inmate confessed; info never disclosed. Cascade County prosecutors declined re-trial. Law enforcement/prosecutors opposed bills citing impact on CI investigations.