Imagine being imprisoned for a crime you didn’t commit — because a forensic scientist lied. This is the harsh reality for countless individuals in Colorado today.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is under fire for a major forensic scandal that may have led to hundreds of wrongful convictions. Former CBI forensic scientist Yvonne “Missy” Woods has been charged with over 100 felonies, including forgery, perjury, and cybercrimes. Her misconduct, spanning 29 years, may have affected more than 1,000 criminal cases involving DNA evidence.

Yet fewer than 2% of those cases have been reviewed.

 
Forensic Misconduct Destroyed Lives

• Woods’ alleged falsification of DNA results has cast doubt on convictions for murder, sexual assault, robbery, and more. 
• Michael Clark, convicted of murder, maintains his innocence after Woods’ DNA analysis helped convict him. UPDATE: From 7NEWS Denver - As of April 14 2025 - new testing of Clark's DNA stated that he was "statistically excluded from the profile that was developed". Clark's conviction was vacated and he was able to bond out pending a status conference on June 6. At that time the District Attorney will determine if they will retry the case or drop the charges completely. 
• In the case of Andrew Draper, Woods was the only DNA analyst. Investigations revealed contaminated and mishandled evidence, including DNA samples left unpackaged and exposed for days. A separate analyst’s DNA was even found on key evidence — proof of systemic failure. In the summer of 2024, Draper filed a Motion for Post Conviction Relief, this was denied. The case is currently in the Court of Appeals with the Opening Brief due June 10, 2025. We are calling on the Court of Appeals to grant him a new trial! 
• 5/6/25 UPDATE: This past week the Colorado General Assembly HB-25-1275 passed the Senate unanimously! The bill was sent to Governor Polis' desk to receive the final signature. 
• Update: From the Colorado General Assembly - HB-25-1275 has passed the House unanimously 65-0. It now goes to the Senate. This bill establishes a process for individuals to seek post-conviction relief if their cases were impacted by such misconduct, ensuring their right to counsel and access to pertinent information. Additionally, crime lab directors are tasked with reviewing all records to identify any wrongful actions committed before July 1, 2025, by current or former employees. 
• UPDATE 8/13/25 - Two attorneys have stepped forward with interest in Andrew’s case, particularly the troubling involvement of former CBI analyst Yvonne Woods. This powerhouse duo is already taking on the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in a separate civil case for another client. Stay tuned...this could get big.
• UPDATE 8/13/25 - A reporter is actively working to share Andrew’s story with the public. She has obtained his court transcripts and is conducting an independent investigation into his case. We are hopeful that qualified experts will review and provide opinions on the DNA analysis presented at the original trial.
• UPDATE 8/13/25 - Andrew’s Alternate Defense Counsel filed a motion requesting a limited remand in his case. This would have allowed the appeal of his 35(c) motion to be sent back to the district court, where a motion under HB25-1275 (The Colorado Forensic Science Integrity Act) could have been filed. The motion was denied, and Andrew is awaiting the official denial document from his attorney.

• UPDATE 8/13/25 -Andrew’s Alternate Defense Counsel is in the process of completing his Opening Brief, which is due October 10, 2025.

• UPDATE 8/13/25 -The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is required to compile a list of all cases in which Yvonne Woods was involved. This list will be sent to the District Attorney’s Office in Andrew’s case, which is currently handled by Amy Padden in Arapahoe County, Colorado. The District Attorney must send a notification letter to Andrew no later than December 1, 2025.
• We are making a difference! Things are changing! Please sign and pass this petition on to friends and family and post on social media. 

Despite the severity of the scandal:

• Only 14 out of 1,000+ cases have been retested.
• There is no notification system to alert defense attorneys, victims, or the incarcerated.
• The Colorado Attorney General’s Office has obstructed the release of DNA records that could help uncover wrongful convictions.
  CBI Director Chris Schaefer admitted that evidence was shared only with district attorneys not with the people whose lives are at stake.

As State Senator Jeff Bridges pointed out, this is unacceptable.

We Demand Immediate Action

We call on the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Attorney General, and all state officials to:

1. Notify all attorneys, victims, and defendants whose cases involved Yvonne Woods or other implicated analysts.
2. Retest DNA evidence in all cases handled by Woods from 1994–2023, not just 2008–2023.
3. Release all DNA testing records to legal teams and the public — no more secrecy.
4. Establish independent oversight of the CBI to prevent future misconduct.
    

Why Your Signature Matters ❤️

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about real people — mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters — serving time for crimes they may not have committed. Their lives, and their families, are being torn apart while the state delays justice.

It’s time to stand for truth, accountability, and fairness.

👉 Sign this petition to demand a full review of all impacted DNA cases.
📣 Share it widely — your voice could help bring someone home.

 
#JusticeForTheInnocent #WrongfulConvictions #CBIScandal #DemandRetesting #DNAIntegrity #HoldCBIAccountable #CriminalJusticeReform