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.
Defending champion Lilia Vu withdraws from Chevron Championship with back injury before 1st round
Chengdu, a rising megacity based on sound governance
Quan, Wang add two golds for China at diving World Cup
AP PHOTOS: Paris Olympics venues mix history and modernity and showcase cultural heritage
Hanna and Haley Cavinder say they're returning for last season at Miami
Former Beijing gas factory transformed into leisure space
Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ultra
Woman dies after riding on car's hood and falling off, police say
As Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes insists his 'dad bod' is 'great' for his NFL performance
Torch and sandals: What to know about the flame