Edward Contreras, convicted of the murder of Freddy Walker in 1997, is fighting to prove his innocence with the help of the California Innocence Project.  This week, the final testimonies have been given and the end may be in sight.

Contreras was convicted of helping Scott Taylor murder Walker at Taylor’s parents’ Bouquet Canyon Road home.  According to Justin Brooks, director of the California Innocence Project, the case against Contreras rested upon the testimony of the sole witness, Lisa Garringer.

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But, in hearings earlier this summer, Garringer recanted her previous statements, claiming that she was afraid and felt pressured by the investigating officers to implicate Contreras.

Brooks said that during the cross examination of the investigating officers, it was apparent that there were unrecorded parts of their interview with Garringer in 1997.  He added that the point was not to accuse the officers of coercion, but that “they had their theory [that Contreras was involved] and got [her] to confirm it.”

Cinnamon Meyers, another witness brought forward by the prosecution, gave a testimony earlier this week.

“It has been our position throughout this hearing that it was her car that was used to dump the body,” said Brooks.  Meyer testified that her car was not used to dispose of Walker’s body.

Brooks stated that Meyer’s testimony was filled with inconsistencies and “it was clear that she was lying.”

To read about Taylor’s claim that Contreras is innocent, Lisa Garringer’s recanted testimony, and more details about the story, click here.