Letter to Smiley from Neyhart RE: Alteration of Peterson maps
Correspondence
November 17, 1999
1 page
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Case Files, Cromartie Hardbacks. Letter to Smiley from Neyhart RE: Alteration of Peterson maps, 1999. 832c12c2-d90e-f011-9989-7c1e5267c7b6. LDF Archives, Thurgood Marshall Institute. https://ldfrecollection.org/archives/archives-search/archives-item/b41e189a-ae6c-41b3-87dd-04458698dad2/letter-to-smiley-from-neyhart-re-alteration-of-peterson-maps. Accessed November 23, 2025.
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EVERETT & EVERETT
ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW
SUITE 300
R.O. EVERETT (1878-1971) 301 W. MAIN STREET
KATHRINE R. EVER - ETT (1893-1992) P.O. BOX 586
ROBINSON O. EVERETT TEL: (919) 682-5691 DAWN T. BATTISTE DurHAM, NORTH CAROLINA 27702 FAX: (919) 682-5469
SANDRA G. HERRING
OF COUNSEL
ROBERT D. HOLLEMAN November 17, 1999
OF COUNSEL
CRAIG M. KABATCHNICK
(ADMITTED N.C., D.C.)
Ms. Tiare Smiley Via Fax to 716-6763
North Carolina Dept. of Justice
P. O. Box 629
Raleigh, NC 27602-0629
Re: Alteration of Peterson Maps
Dear Tiare:
While reviewing Defendants’ Exhibit 430 this afternoon, I noticed that it was significantly
different than the map for Rowan County which Mr. Markham had previously examined in Dr.
Peterson’s office. Specifically, the handwritten numbers were removed and were replaced with
typewritten numbers. Also, the question marks on the map which Mr. Markham had observed
were removed.
When I brought this to the attention of Fran Carraway, she informed me that Dr.
Peterson’s staff had done this contrary to her specific instructions. She also informed me that
some or all of the question marks had been erased on the other Peterson maps and had been
replaced by numbers.
As you know, Mr. Markham examined the original maps in their original state for the
purposes of a potential cross-examination of Dr. Peterson. Furthermore, he has specifically
expressed his concern to you that the original markings be preserved on these maps.
We are deeply concerned that the evidentiary value and authenticity of these maps have
been compromised. At this point, we see no alternative but to request that all changes in these
maps be enumerated and a reason be given for each of the changes.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
debh A. Flesh
Seth A. Neyhart
Attorney For Plaintiffs