Error-prone Detroit police crime lab closed

By Corey Williams
The Associated Press

DETROIT — Officials say they have shut down the Detroit police crime lab because errors have been found in evidence from shooting cases.

Michigan State Police have found erroneous or false findings in 10 percent of 200 random cases, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said at a news conference Thursday.

Worthy says the lab was temporarily closed this spring after errors were found in evidence from a double slaying.

The crime lab operation will be turned over to the state police.

Worthy says past criminal cases where lab findings were used will be reviewed. She is not sure how many years back that probe will take investigators.

Police Chief James Barren says the lab's commander will be removed and its 33 officers reassigned.