Across
- 4. A high-temperature stage in a fire where every exposed flammable surface in an enclosed area ignites simultaneously. Understanding this concept was crucial in debunking the original arson evidence.
- 5. The killing of one person by another.
- 6. A substance (like gasoline or kerosene) used to aid the spread of a fire.
- 9. To officially absolve someone from blame or find them not guilty after a previous conviction.
- 11. An extensive fire which destroys a great deal of land or property.
- 14. Method: The systematic observation, measurement, and experiment used to test hypotheses—the lack of which, according to experts in the story, led to Willingham's wrongful conviction.
- 17. Burnt or blackened by fire.
- 18. A term used by fire investigators to describe the charred, scale-like patterns left on wood after a fire (long thought to indicate the use of an accelerant).
- 19. of Execution: A court order that temporarily suspends the execution of a court's judgment or sentence.
- 20. & Descriptive Language
- 21. Cleared of suspicion or blame, often through the presentation of new evidence.
- 23. An act of mercy or leniency by a public official (such as a Governor) to reduce a sentence or prevent an execution.
- 25. Row: A prison block or section for prisoners who have been sentenced to death and are awaiting execution.
Down
- 1. The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.
- 2. words are used by Grann to describe the atmospheric details of the fire, the emotional weight of the case, and the scientific skepticism involved.
- 3. Tending to attract attention because of exuberance, confidence, and stylishness (often used to describe Willingham’s personality).
- 7. A collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method.
- 8. Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
- 10. A government decision to allow a person who has been convicted of a crime to be free and to be absolved of that conviction.
- 12. Project: A non-profit legal organization that is committed to exonerating wrongly convicted people through the use of DNA testing and other scientific evidence.
- 13. A deeply distressing or disturbing experience; also refers to physical injury.
- 15. The theory or philosophy of law.
- 16. Extremely small; in this context, often referring to trace amounts of chemicals.
- 22. Concepts to Note
- 24. Punishment: The legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime (the death penalty).