As detailed in the New York Times article “A Murder, Gold Bars, a Jailbreak and Questions About Justice,” ECBAWM represents Brian Scott Lorenz, who was convicted and incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. Along with co-defendant James Pugh, Mr. Lorenz was given a life sentence for the 1993 murder of Deborah Meindl, a nursing student and young mother from Tonawanda, New York.

Since Mr. Lorenz’s 1994 conviction, facts have surfaced that call Mr. Lorenz’s conviction into serious question, including DNA tests that exclude Mr. Lorenz and Mr. Pugh from the crime scene, witnesses whose testimony was fabricated or coerced, and evidence pointing to other possible murderers. A recent report by two prosecutors from the Erie County District Attorney’s Office exonerates Mr. Lorenz.

Our representation of Mr. Lorenz began almost seven years ago. On Monday, December 13, we will appear in court on behalf of Mr. Lorenz in a hearing to challenge his conviction. We are hopeful that in light of the overwhelming new evidence, Mr. Lorenz will be released and his and Mr. Pugh’s convictions will be overturned.

Mr. Lorenz is represented by ECBAWM lawyers Ilann M. Maazel, Emma Freeman, and Francesca Cocuzza.

Press
“Former county prosecutor testifies against his former office: The Erie County District Attorney’s Office,” WGRZ
“Clinton Correctional escapee David Sweat testifies in hearing focused on 1993 Tonawanda murder case,” WGRZ
“Expert testifies defendants’ DNA not found at scene of Deborah Meindl’s murder,” WIVB
“Two men attempt to have 1993 Tonawanda murder convictions thrown out,” WIVB
“Dannemora escapee David Sweat testifies against fellow escapee in 1993 murder case,” WIVB
“David Sweat testifies Richard Matt told him he killed Tonawanda woman in ’93,” Buffalo News