Repository Collection 03
Witness for the Prosecution: SBI Lab Loyal to Law Enforcement
SUPPLEMENTAL ARTICLE SOURCE ENTRY
Last Revised • July 4, 2026
This supplemental newspaper article provides additional reporting concerning SBI forensic analyst Brenda Bissette and the broader concerns regarding forensic reporting practices within the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory. Although not directly cited by title in the Supplemental Motion, this source independently documents the laboratory environment, analyst conduct, and systemic concerns discussed throughout Statement of Facts A, providing additional context and verification for the allegations presented.
Supports paragraphs 18 - 19 introducing Brenda Bissette and her involvement in May’s case.
Related SMAR Citation
Source Name
Witness for the prosecution: SBI lab loyal to law enforcement
Author(s)
Mandy Locke and Joseph Neff
Publication
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
Publication Date
Aug. 12, 2010
Verification Source
Star News Online
Source Location
Star News Online
Highlighted Pages
1 - 10
Referenced in the Supplemental Motion
Page 14, Paragraph: 18 - 19
✔ Article recovered, reviewed, and verified
✔ Relevant statement highlighted
✔ Publicly available source
✔ Included within the Source Verification Archive
May's allegation that SBI Agent Brenda Bissette's forensic testimony in the Defendant's trial
should be evaluated in light of documented deficiencies within the SBI Crime Laboratory and
Bissette's prior forensic misconduct. The News & Observer investigation is cited to document that
the SBI Crime Laboratory operated in a prosecution-oriented environment, that independent
experts criticized laboratory practices as lacking scientific neutrality, and that Brenda Bissette was
removed from laboratory duties after a significant DNA analysis error in the Leslie Lincoln case.
May relies upon this source to support his argument that Bissette's forensic testimony and
reporting practices warrant heightened scrutiny in evaluating the reliability of the evidence
presented against him.
Link to the original article.
Working research copy containing the highlighted passages cited in the Supplemental Motion.
Continue browsing the sources cited throughout Statement of Facts A.
Return to the main Source Verification Archive and explore additional sections of the Supplemental Motion.
Source Status
Cited to Support
Supporting Documents
Original Article
Highlighted Research Copy
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