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.
Analysis: Larson enters conversation with Verstappen as best drivers in the world
Laotians appreciate Chinese medical team's timely help to combat COVID
Israel celebrates 74th Independence Day
Xi Focus: CPC Leadership Meeting Calls for Rallying Powerful Force to Advance National Rejuvenation
Election 2024: Biden and Trump bypassed the Commission on Presidential Debates
Drilling of undersea tunnel of Guangzhou
Chinese firms popular at Egypt's largest medical expo
European Sand Sculpture Championships held in Zandvoort, the Netherlands
German dependency on Russian energy significantly reduced: president
Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
Xi Story: Beacon of China's Reform and Opening up, Shenzhen Prospers Under Xi