Lawrence Murder Case: Advocates Say Second Autopsy Was Never Disclosed at Baldwin County Trial

BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Supporters of Murray “Bubba” Lawrence Jr., a Baldwin County man who has spent more than 18 years in prison after being convicted of murder, say a second autopsy of the victim in the Lawrence murder case was never disclosed to the defense during his trial. They say they hope the discovery will lead to a new review of the case.

Exhumation and second autopsy

According to records reviewed by the advocates, the body of the victim, identified in the records by the surname Hastings, was exhumed about a month after his death. It was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for a second autopsy on May 14, 2003.

The advocates say the resulting report was never mentioned during Lawrence’s trial and was never provided to his defense.

Page 4 of the state autopsy report says the autopsy was authorized by Mack Sr. “under the authority granted by the District Attorney Office.”

Defense attorney’s statement

Willie Huntley, Lawrence’s attorney, said he could not explain why the report was not disclosed.

“I have no earthly idea why they wouldn’t disclose this autopsy information, except that it didn’t advance their case,” Huntley said. “I know it would have made a big difference.”

Prosecutor says he does not recall the autopsy

Whetstone, who personally prosecuted the case, recalled the case and trial in detail. He said he did not order the second autopsy and had no memory of receiving information about it, although a letter from the state forensic agency delivered its results to him.

“I didn’t order it and I don’t remember ever receiving such an autopsy. But of course, if that had been done and it revealed anything that could have suggested any other outcome, Mr. Huntley certainly should have received it. And I should have too. … What you’re suggesting to me is the first I’ve heard of this in all these years,” Whetstone said.

What the documents show

Letters and documents included in the second autopsy report indicate that Whetstone, Wilters and Mack had been informed of the autopsy well before Lawrence’s trial.

Hoss Mack and his father were both copied on a May 17, 2004, letter from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to Whetstone. The letter accompanied the autopsy report along with forensic biology and toxicology reports. Wilters wrote and signed the order that allowed the autopsy.

Asked about the case in an email, Hoss Mack played down his role in it.

According to trial transcripts, Hoss Mack conducted four separate interviews with McNeil and accompanied him on a trip during which McNeil led investigators to the place where the killing occurred. The transcripts show that McNeil at first had trouble identifying the location.

Lawrence’s supporters say the undisclosed report is a reason his conviction should be reviewed. No court has ruled on their claims about the autopsy.