Amanda Knox

But the game changer comes with new evidence, stuff like new witnesses, new documents, or new scientific evidence like DNA testing that wasn't known or available at the time of trial. The goal isn't just to prove innocence, but also to identify the real perpetrator.

But the game changer comes with new evidence, stuff like new witnesses, new documents, or new scientific evidence like DNA testing that wasn't known or available at the time of trial. The goal isn't just to prove innocence, but also to identify the real perpetrator.

Back in 2008, the Department of Justice launched a program that allowed DNA samples to be tested using newer methods. It was then that the attorneys for the Hawaii Innocence Project leveraged that statute to request DNA retesting under seal due to the high-profile nature of the case.

Back in 2008, the Department of Justice launched a program that allowed DNA samples to be tested using newer methods. It was then that the attorneys for the Hawaii Innocence Project leveraged that statute to request DNA retesting under seal due to the high-profile nature of the case.

Keeping testing secret avoided drawing attention while other evidence was explored, all in the hopes of finding the real perpetrator. DNA testing since 2008 has substantially changed.

Keeping testing secret avoided drawing attention while other evidence was explored, all in the hopes of finding the real perpetrator. DNA testing since 2008 has substantially changed.

The Jimmy Zee T-shirt found next to Dana Ireland, one key piece of evidence, could never fully be reviewed because forensic technology was unable to separate other DNA since the shirt was substantially soaked in Dana's blood. The prosecution argued the T-shirt belonged to Frank Pauline, supported by multiple witness testimonies claiming to have seen him wearing it.

The Jimmy Zee T-shirt found next to Dana Ireland, one key piece of evidence, could never fully be reviewed because forensic technology was unable to separate other DNA since the shirt was substantially soaked in Dana's blood. The prosecution argued the T-shirt belonged to Frank Pauline, supported by multiple witness testimonies claiming to have seen him wearing it.

At the same time, it was a popular surf shirt like billabong, and a lot of islanders had one. Regardless, this had stuck with the jury at Frank's trial. It was his shirt, they thought, and Dana's blood. So he must have done it.

At the same time, it was a popular surf shirt like billabong, and a lot of islanders had one. Regardless, this had stuck with the jury at Frank's trial. It was his shirt, they thought, and Dana's blood. So he must have done it.

Here's Randy Roth of the Hawaii Innocence Project.

Here's Randy Roth of the Hawaii Innocence Project.

I can't tell you how common and frustrating this attitude is as a wrongly convicted person. But it's human nature to believe that where there's smoke, there's fire. The problem is, in wrongful conviction cases, it's all smoke and no fire. But the more pressure there is from the media and the public to hold someone accountable, the more smoke there is.

I can't tell you how common and frustrating this attitude is as a wrongly convicted person. But it's human nature to believe that where there's smoke, there's fire. The problem is, in wrongful conviction cases, it's all smoke and no fire. But the more pressure there is from the media and the public to hold someone accountable, the more smoke there is.

In April of 2015, the Hawaii Innocence Project publicly announced their investigation into Ian's case. And that sent it moving forward like a freight train. Well, in the legal world, that is. In the normal human world, their investigation would take years.

In April of 2015, the Hawaii Innocence Project publicly announced their investigation into Ian's case. And that sent it moving forward like a freight train. Well, in the legal world, that is. In the normal human world, their investigation would take years.

They spent hours and hours poring over the case file, re-examining evidence, questioning witnesses and visiting the scene which had changed a lot since 1991. Directly west of vacation land is Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, only 40 miles away by car, and even less as the crow flies.

They spent hours and hours poring over the case file, re-examining evidence, questioning witnesses and visiting the scene which had changed a lot since 1991. Directly west of vacation land is Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, only 40 miles away by car, and even less as the crow flies.

The legendary active volcano is not far from the Schweitzer House and just a short hop to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I was actually visiting that park, watching the volcano erupt, when I got the news that Ian was being released from prison.

The legendary active volcano is not far from the Schweitzer House and just a short hop to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I was actually visiting that park, watching the volcano erupt, when I got the news that Ian was being released from prison.