Post by sclcookie on Jun 2, 2006 0:43:38 GMT -5
LabCorp to perform DNA test in execution case
A DNA sample from an inmate who had been scheduled for execution this
month will go to a private lab for testing this week, a prosecutor said
Tuesday. Gates County Superior Court Judge Richard Parker signed an order
for the test last week for death row inmate Jerry Wayne Conner, who was
convicted of a 1990 rape and double murder. Conner had been scheduled for
execution May 12, but the state Supreme Court stopped it so a DNA test
could be performed.
Defense lawyers contend the test will show that Conner didn't rape a
16-year-old girl and could cast doubt on whether he was guilty of slaying
the girl and her mother.
District Attorney Frank Parrish said the DNA sample should be delivered
this week to Burlington-based LabCorp for the test.
Parrish has said there was sufficient evidence without the DNA tests to
show Conner committed the crimes.
Although the judge didn't hold a hearing before ordering the test, state
law requires a hearing when the results are known, Parrish said.
(source: Associated Press)
A DNA sample from an inmate who had been scheduled for execution this
month will go to a private lab for testing this week, a prosecutor said
Tuesday. Gates County Superior Court Judge Richard Parker signed an order
for the test last week for death row inmate Jerry Wayne Conner, who was
convicted of a 1990 rape and double murder. Conner had been scheduled for
execution May 12, but the state Supreme Court stopped it so a DNA test
could be performed.
Defense lawyers contend the test will show that Conner didn't rape a
16-year-old girl and could cast doubt on whether he was guilty of slaying
the girl and her mother.
District Attorney Frank Parrish said the DNA sample should be delivered
this week to Burlington-based LabCorp for the test.
Parrish has said there was sufficient evidence without the DNA tests to
show Conner committed the crimes.
Although the judge didn't hold a hearing before ordering the test, state
law requires a hearing when the results are known, Parrish said.
(source: Associated Press)