Case File — Picking Cotton | A Memoir by Jennifer Thompson & Ronald Cotton with Erin Torneo

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You may also download the full Motion for Appropriate Relief document. More photos and documents can be found in the book.

Jennifer Thompson as a college freshman, before her assault.

First officer on the scene writes a report, which includes an initial description of the attacker from Jennifer.

After she is taken to the hospital, Jennifer goes to the police station to make a statement to Detective Mike Gauldin.

July 29, 1984: News release containing the composite drawing Jennifer created.

July 31, 1984: An anonymous caller gives police the tip that a man named Cotton resembles the composite.

A supplementary investigation report plants the idea of Ronald Cotton "liking white women." This same witness will later sign an affidavit in the MFAR completely contradicts this report.

Both victims view a photo array including an old mug shot of Ronald Cotton. Jennifer selects Ronald's photo; the second victim can't make an identification.

July 31, 1984: A search warrant is issued for Ronald Cotton's place.

Aug 1, 1984: Ronald Cotton is arrested after he voluntarily goes into the police station to straighten things out.

Aug 8, 1984: Jennifer Thompson and the second victim view a lineup of seven men.

Jennifer picks #5, Ronald Cotton. The second victim picks someone else.

No physical evidence ties Ronald Cotton to the crime scene.

Jennifer is questioned by the defense about what she wore the night she was attacked.

Ronald Cotton is found guilty. Before sentencing, the judge calls him "a physically capable criminal" with "abnormal and dangerous sexual tendencies."

After being arrested in the same complex where Jennifer was assaulted, Bobby Poole pleads guilty to another rape in January 1985.

Ron returns to court in Nov, 1987 after his first conviction is overturned. Ron's defense argues that Poole was the assailant. The judge rules that none of the evidence concerning Poole is admissible.

In the 1987 trial, the second victim from 1984 testifies Ronald Cotton was her rapist. Ron is convicted of both this and Jennifer's rape and returns to prison with 2 life sentences.

In prison, Ron crosses paths with Bobby Poole again.

Aug 10, 1990: Ron writes to the appellate defender upon hearing that another appeal was denied.

Ron asks his attorney if he can have a DNA test.

Rich Rosen & Tom Lambeth file a document asking the court in Alamance County to grant Ron a new trial.

June 22, 1995: A fragment of a sperm head excludes Ronald Cotton and implicates Bobby Poole.

July 12, 1995: The State of North Carolina issues a Pardon of Innocence.

April, 1997: Just days after meeting Ron, Jennifer writes a letter to Bobby Poole, the real rapist.