Justice for Dean Hettinger: Free an Innocent Father Wrongfully Convicted of Shaken Baby Syndrome

129

Let’s get to 200 signatures!
Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The Issue

We seek justice for Dean Hettinger, a loving father who was wrongfully convicted of shaken baby syndrome. 

We urge you to review this case, sign the petition, and take immediate action to help overturn this unjust conviction.

Dean's story is one that highlights the flaws in our justice system and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. Here are the facts that demand your attention:

Dean, already a father himself to a 6-month old baby boy, willingly agreed to care for another baby who was born with meth in his system, after child services took the baby away from his mother, due to her drug addiction. This act of compassion demonstrates Dean's commitment to providing a safe environment for this vulnerable child.

Lack of Evidence: The prosecution's case against Dean was built on shaky grounds with no evidence linking him to any harm caused to the baby. Medical experts have come forward questioning the reliability and accuracy of shaken baby syndrome as a diagnosis as they heavily rely on subjective interpretations rather than concrete scientific evidence, and are often misdiagnosed. Prominent medical professionals specializing in pediatric neurology have expressed doubts about SBS as a reliable indicator of any abuse. Their research shows that misdiagnoses are alarmingly common when it comes to this syndrome. Alternative Explanations: There are numerous medical conditions that can mimic symptoms associated with shaken baby syndrome, including accidental falls or pre-existing or underlying medical conditions.  Especially with a baby born with drugs already in his system. None of these were investigated or presented in Dean's case.
Dean did not receive effective legal representation during his trial, depriving him of fair access to justice and hindering his ability to present crucial evidence and a defense. The trial attorney presented no defense. Called no witnesses.   Dean's intention was to provide temporary care for the baby until the baby's mother completed her drug rehabilitation. By wrongfully convicting Dean, we are not only tearing apart an innocent family, but also discouraging individuals from stepping up to support those in need.

We call upon the relevant authorities to reevaluate Dean Hettinger's case with utmost urgency and fairness. We demand a comprehensive review of all available evidence, including medical research on shaken baby syndrome, alternative explanations for the baby's injuries, and all of the other pertinent information that was overlooked during the trial.

Justice must prevail in this case. We demand it. The community stands united in support of Dean Hettinger's innocence. We implore you to take immediate action to reevaluate Dean Hettinger's conviction, you will not only rectify a grave injustice but also restore faith in our legal system. We believe in Dean's innocence.   Free Dean Hettinger so he can be reunited with his own family and continue fighting for justice on behalf of others who have been wrongfully accused.

Sign this petition today to ensure that an innocent father is freed from this wrongful conviction and that our justice system upholds its duty to protect the innocent.

#FreeDeanHettinger  #JusticeForDean
avatar of the starter
Justice For All Institute​.​orgPetition StarterThe Justice For All Institute™ (JFAI) is a nonprofit organization providing resources and aid for families and communities in need, including legal services, and advocating for individuals’ rights by serving as their voice that would otherwise go unheard.

Petition Updates