Gilchrist was a forensic analyst. She was investigated for not performing and analyzing forensic evidence correctly and misleading the court when she testified in criminal cases. She also misinterpreted hair samples in at least one murder case and incorrectly analyzed DNA in a rape case, resulting in the conviction of an innocent person. Gilchrist was fired after an investigation into her actions. She brought a §1983 suit against officials with the Oklahoma City Police Department. The trial court granted summary judgment for the officials and the court of appeals affirmed the trial court’s decision.

Decided April 04, 2006.

This case addresses the importance of careful forensic analysis. Gilchrist’s actions resulted in the wrongful conviction of at least one person and the overturning of several other convictions. She also contaminated evidence in several other cases and was criticized by court officials for misleading the court in several of her expert testimonials.