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BARRY SAUNDERS

Saunders: Inmates line up for gifts from disgraced SBI blood-spatter expert

Until a few weeks ago, you probably thought that I was the baddest Santa you'd ever seen. That was before Duane Deaver offered expert testimony during trials of convicted murderers.

AGENTS' SECRETS

Ex-SBI agent Deaver's testimony could lead to reviews

Duane Deaver's work paved the path for Michael Peterson's new trial. His testimony also could force another look at the sentences of several other convicted murderers.

DURHAM COUNTY

Michael Peterson denies guilt, tastes freedom

Michael Peterson sat in his lawyer's office Wednesday afternoon twisting his wedding ring and talking about the electronic anklet that has monitored his movements over the past week.

AGENTS' SECRETS

Judges' decision in Peterson case puts SBI in tough spot over former agent Deaver

When Superior Court Judge Orlando Hudson ordered a new trial for Durham author Michael Peterson, he uttered a phrase seldom used by a judge describing the conduct of an SBI agent on the witness stand: "perjured testimony."

DURHAM COUNTY

Peterson released from prison; awaits new trial in wife's murder

Durham novelist Michael Peterson walked out of the Durham County Jail shortly after 6 p.m. today, joining his family for the first time after eight years in prison. Peterson spoke briefly after leaving the jail, saying he looks forward to proving his innocence in a "fair trial."

AGENTS' SECRETS

Time line: The Michael Peterson case

AGENTS' SECRETS

Defense challenged Deaver at trial in 2003

Michael Peterson's hearing for a new trial this month was not the first time his defense team had challenged the credentials of former State Bureau of Investigation agent Duane Deaver.

AGENTS' SECRETS

Records counter Deaver's testimony

State Bureau of Investigation records of former agent Duane Deaver's cases show that Deaver had not done any work involving people hurt or killed in falls when he testified at the murder trial of Durham novelist Michael Peterson, according to testimony Tuesday.