ROCKLAND, Maine (AP) — A Maine man convicted of killing a 12-year-old girl more than three decades ago launched his latest bid on Thursday for a new trial by trying to convince a judge that advances in DNA testing raise questions about his guilt.
The attorney for Dennis Dechaine called his first witness at the start of a two-day hearing in Knox County Superior Court. Dechaine is trying to make the case that tests conducted by a California laboratory excluded his DNA from several items found at the crime scene, requiring a new trial in which jurors could weigh all the evidence.
Prosecutors have contended plenty of other evidence links Dechaine to the crime and that his DNA could not be excluded from several other items.
Dechaine, 66, is serving a life sentence for the murder and sexual assault of Sarah Cherry, who disappeared while babysitting in Bowdoin in July 1988. Her body was found two days later.
Caitlin Clark mobbed by fans at introductory Indiana Fever press conference
Xi Sends Condolences to Iranian President over Serious Terror Attacks
UN chief to meet Ukrainian president in Kyiv
Commentary: Chinese consumer market full of opportunities for global brands
Bethenny Frankel confesses that she used to 'force' herself to have sex with ex
G20 Summit to be held in Bali, Indonesia
UN urges maximum restraint amid rising tensions between Iran, Israel
Asian economy expected to increase 4.5 percent in 2024: report
Global trade to rebound by 2.6 pct in 2024: WTO report
UN approves an updated cholera vaccine that could help fight a surge in cases
Roundup: Establishment of diplomatic ties with China applauded across Honduras