---
title: "POSSIBLE INNOCENCE: DNA Evidence Leads to Juvenile Offender's Release"
description: 'Following a fifth round of DNA tests, a Louisiana death row inmate has been released on bond while awaiting a new trial. Earlier this year, Ryan Matthews’…'
canonical: 'https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/possible-innocence-dna-evidence-leads-to-juvenile-offenders-release'
section: news
date: '2004-06-30T20:22:50-04:00'
updated: '2025-03-14T14:23:08-04:00'
source: 'Death Penalty Information Center'
---

Following a fifth round of DNA tests, a Louisiana death row inmate has been released on bond while awaiting a new trial. Earlier this year, Ryan Matthews' conviction and death sentence were overturned. The recent round of DNA tests on a ski mask, which prosecutors claimed was worn by Matthews during the crime, excluded Matthews but matched the genetic markers of another inmate. To date, no physical evidence linking Matthews to the crime has been found. Following the latest round of DNA testing, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's office did not oppose Matthews' request for bond. Matthews was a juvenile at the time the crime was committed. His attorneys indicated that he suffers from mental retardation and a seizure disorder. (Times-Picayune, June 23, 2004) See [Innocence](/innocence-and-death-penalty?did=412&scid=6). See also, [Juvenile Death Penalty](/juveniles-and-death-penalty?did=205&scid=27).