In 2012, Leigh Stubbs and Tammy Vance, who both spent 11 years in prison, were released when their aggravated assault convictions were overturned. As reported by the Innocence Project, both women were convicted based on testimony provided by Michael West. In 2000, Stubbs and Vance left a drug treatment facility where they were treated for addiction. Another woman, Kimberly Williams, joined them, although she had not completed her treatment. Coxwell Law reports all three women left the facility and went to Williams’ boyfriend’s home, where Vance and Williams took prescription painkillers and drank alcohol. All three women then went to a hotel to sleep.
The following morning, Stubbs and Vance went to breakfast and left Williams behind. When they returned to the room, they found Williams unresponsive. Stubbs and Vance called an ambulance and performed CPR while waiting for help. As reported by Coxwell Law, it was initially determined that Williams overdosed on drugs and alcohol she had recently consumed. Although she survived the incident, she had no memory of the events leading up to her being hospitalized.
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Although it seemed as though Williams had clearly overdosed, Stubbs and Vance were arrested and eventually convicted, based, in part, on evidence provided by West. Although her doctors did not note any unusual wounds, HuffPost reports West testified that he found bite marks in photos of Williams’ skin that matched Stubbs and Vance’s teeth.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
