Post by sclcookie on May 31, 2006 2:33:01 GMT -5
LabCorp to perform DNA test in execution case
In Elizabeth City, 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)
In Elizabeth City, 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)