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Richard A. Webster

Author Archives: Richard A. Webster

Experienced investigative reporter Rich Webster joins Verite after spending the past two and a half years as a member of ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network. He investigated allegations of abuse against the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and claims of racial and economic inequities within Louisiana’s Road Home recovery program following Hurricane Katrina.

Webster previously was a member of The Times-Picayune’s investigative team, reporting on numerous special projects including “The Children of Central City,” an in-depth look at childhood trauma through the lens of a youth football team; “A Fragile State,” a multi-part series on Louisiana’s mental health care system; and “Dying at OPP,” which examined the deaths of inmates in Orleans Parish Prison.

Webster also covered the criminal justice system and the Covid-19 pandemic for The Washington Post, ProPublica and The Guardian.

rwebster@veritenews.org
Posted inJustice

Louisiana judge nullifies death row inmate’s murder conviction that was based on junk science

Richard A. Webster by Richard A. Webster April 25, 2025April 25, 2025

Following a Verite News and ProPublica investigation, a district judge vacated the death sentence of Jimmie Duncan, whose 1998 murder conviction was based on allegedly fabricated bite mark analysis. It remains unclear if Duncan will walk free.

Posted inJustice

An algorithm deemed this nearly blind 70-year-old prisoner a ‘moderate risk.’ Now he’s no longer eligible for parole.

Richard A. Webster by Richard A. Webster April 10, 2025April 10, 2025
Posted inJustice

He was convicted based on allegedly fabricated bite mark analysis. Louisiana wants to execute him anyway.

Richard A. Webster by Richard A. Webster March 11, 2025March 19, 2025
Posted inJustice

A law was meant to target teen violence. Instead, 17-year-olds are being charged as adults for lesser offenses.

Richard A. Webster by Richard A. Webster October 3, 2024October 3, 2024
Posted inJustice

New Louisiana law serves as a warning to bystanders who film police: Stay away or face arrest

Richard A. Webster by Richard A. Webster July 31, 2024November 18, 2024
Posted inJustice

A judge ruled a Louisiana prison’s health care system has failed inmates for decades. A federal law could block reforms.

Richard A. Webster by Richard A. Webster July 25, 2024April 22, 2025
Posted inNews

‘Everyone will die in prison’: How Louisiana’s plan to lock people up longer imperils its sickest inmates

Richard A. Webster by Richard A. Webster March 28, 2024April 22, 2025
Arrest 1
Posted inGovernment

Lawmakers revive plan to create 25-foot police buffer

Richard A. Webster by Richard A. Webster March 27, 2024March 27, 2024
Posted inHealth

State seeks to overturn court ruling of ‘abhorrent’ prison health care at Angola

Richard A. Webster by Richard A. Webster March 5, 2024March 5, 2024
Posted inGovernment

Bill to make juvenile crime records public advances in La. House

Richard A. Webster by Richard A. Webster February 21, 2024February 21, 2024

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