Clear and Convincing - Ep. 27 - TX v. Swearingen - Interview w/Kelly Blackburn

This bonus episode of Clear & Convincing features an interview with Trial Bureau Chief Kelly Blackburn of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office regarding the Larry Swearingen case.  Mr. Blackburn assumed responsibility for the case in 2017.  Lisa O’Brien discusses the issues related to Swearingen’s multiple requests for DNA testing, including post-conviction counsel’s objection in 2013 to pre-execution testing requested by the State.  They’ll also talk about the agreed testing in 2017 and the inconclusive results.  Mr. Blackburn grew up in Brownwood, Texas and attended Texas Tech University, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.  He graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1999 and began his legal career at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as a felony trial prosecutor.  He also served in the Public Integrity Division handling cases and investigations of public corruption.  In 2008, Mr. Blackburn served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Texas, where he handled narcotics offenses, human smuggling, bulk-cash smuggling, fire arms, organized crime and criminal immigration offenses.  In 2010, Mr. Blackburn joined the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office, where he served as a Chief Prosecutor and Chief of the Public Integrity Division.  His now serves as Chief of the Trial Bureau and is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.