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Probe ordered on California death row inmate innocence claim

Kevin Cooper
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered an independent investigation into the conviction of death row inmate Kevin Cooper, who says he was framed for the stabbing deaths of four people, including two children, in 1983.

Newsom on Friday ordered a law firm to examine all the evidence, including results of DNA testing that Cooper had argued could prove his innocence.

Newsom said he's taking no position on Cooper's guilt or innocence.

Cooper wants clemency, alleging he was framed for a 1983 knife and hatchet attack on a Chino Hills family that killed four people, including a boy and girl, ages 10 and 11.