A man who spent over four decades on death row in Utah has been released from jail after new DNA evidence indicated he was not linked to a 1985 homicide. Douglas Stewart Carter, 71, was released on bail late on Monday night after a judge's order.
Carter was convicted in 1985 for the killing of Eva Olesen, based on a confession and witness testimony that was later recanted. He has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming he was coerced into signing the confession.
A DNA analysis received on 22 September excluded Carter as a match to blood found on a doorknob and genetic material from a knife handle used in the killing. Judge Derek Pullan stated these results further undermined the case, but noted a reasonable jury could still conclude Carter killed Olesen.
Carter's attorney, Neal Hamilton, expressed gratitude for his client's release but also sorrow for the time spent incarcerated. Prosecutors have withdrawn their intent to seek the death penalty, and Carter will wear a GPS monitoring device until a new trial commences.