A man who spent 41 years on death row in the US has been released on bail after prosecutors said newly analysed DNA evidence did not link him to the crime for which he was convicted.
New DNA analysis did not match Douglas Stewart Carter, now 71, who was convicted of killing a woman in 1985 but always maintained his innocence. The state Supreme Court ordered a new trial last year, citing misconduct by investigators, and a judge bailed Carter on Monday despite objections from the victim's family.
Carter was jailed for the killing of Eva Olesen in Utah in 1985. He was sentenced to death but always maintained his innocence, stating that a signed confession was coerced. Court documents show that police suspected him of killing Olesen during a robbery. He was eventually found in Nashville, Tennessee, and signed a confession while under interrogation which he later said was coerced.
Why it matters
The mismatch raises questions about the accuracy of the original conviction and the reliability of evidence used.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether prosecutors will revisit the case based on the new DNA findings.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.