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.
Kenya’s military chief dies in a helicopter crash
First look: Prince Andrew 'car crash' interview with Emily Maitlis film trailer released by Netflix
How Lady Louise Windsor is tipped for a key role in Prince William's future monarchy
Masterful meals: Roast pheasant with a chestnut and cider cream sauce
Sydney Sweeney and Zendaya both wowed in Euphoria, so why are they treated so differently?
KiwiSaver contributions: Big gap between men and women
Rihanna shows off her wild side in a low
Why we cannot let the disability support changes happen
FIFA plans to add slew of new committees years after cutting them in anti
Serial mistress, 54, enjoys luxurious £5,000 trip to Costa Rica
Tibetan political leader ‘optimistic’ about passage of US bill on Tibet — Radio Free Asia
‘An immortal of our incredible game’