DNA Evidence May Lead to Exoneration in Former Capital Case

Results from DNA testing may soon lead to the exoneration of Larry Peterson in New Jersey. He would become the first person in the state to be cleared of a homicide through DNA evidence. Peterson was convicted of a rape and murder that occurred in 1987. For the past 10 years, Peterson tried to have DNA evidence from his case tested. At his original trial in which he faced the possibility of a death sentence, the prosecution maintained that hairs from the crime scene belonged to Peterson. He was convicted and given a life sentence. DNA testing has now shown that the hairs belonged to the victim, and that semen from the crime scene belong to another male. Peterson’s lawyers from the Innocence Project have filed a motion to have his conviction overturned.

(N.Y. Times, April 28, 2005). See Innocence.