A panel of judges in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals expressed skepticism toward allowing new DNA testing that attorneys for a man on death row say could pro
"If DNA testing shows a high-concentration of someone else's DNA in the webbing of the belt, like Jimmy Fennell's , it would provide powerful evidence that Reed didn't commit the crime," Parker Rider-Longmaid, an attorney for Reed, argued before the appeals court on Monday.
A panel of judges in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals expressed skepticism toward allowing new DNA testing that attorneys for a man on death row say could prove his innocence. Rodney Reed was convicted nearly three decades ago for the murder of Stacey Stites. His case had gone back and forth through the judicial system, including a last-minute intervention from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2019, halting his execution. In 2023, the Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest criminal court in the state, rejected Reed's request for a retrial. Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up Reed's case, though last year it had issued a ruling clearing the way for Reed to pursue new DNA evidence claims, including testing the murder weapon, believed to be a belt used to strangle Stites. The three-judge panel in the appeals court, though, appeared skeptical toward that request. At one point, Chief Judge Edith Jones asked, "You've already lost that case, right?" referencing the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejection of a retrial. "Anytime that there's any evidence available that wasn't previously tested should be tested because if it can exonerate somebody, it should move forward with the testing process," Cynthia Cale, a DNA expert and co-founder at DNA Mavens, told CBS Austin in an interview. The Fifth Circuit does not have an exact timeline of when it will issue its decision in the case, but it's not expected for some months. "Wouldn't you rather give him another trial, to make sure?" Heather Stobbs, Stites' cousin, told CBS Austin. "Because that's actually what he wants. He doesn't want to be just exonerated. He wants a trial. He wants what they're unwilling to provide."
DNA Testing Appeals Court Innocence Stacey Stites Exonerate Retrial Evidence
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New genetic sensor for DNA methylation discoveredDNA methylation is a process in which a methyl group is attached to the cytosine base of the DNA molecule, and is a major way that DNA is epigenetically marked. Epigenetic modifications can act as on–off switches to regulate gene expression and help generate diverse cell types without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
Read more »
Diddy Files Motion To Dismiss Rodney Jones LawsuitDiddy is firing back at Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones ... saying his lawsuit is nothing more than a cash grab dressed up as a sex trafficking and RICO conspiracy.
Read more »
Pittsburgh Star Running Back Rodney Hammond Ruled Ineligible for the 2024 SeasonHammond was expected to lead the running back room once again in 2024.
Read more »
Scientists reveal mechanism of maternal protein Pramel15 in promoting DNA demethylation in mouse zygotesDNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is an important DNA methyltransferase that maintains DNA methylation. The retention of DNMT1 and its cofactor UHRF1 in the cytoplasm is considered a major reason for passive DNA demethylation in the oocyte and early embryonic development.
Read more »
NBC’s Rodney Harrison Said Travis Kelce No Longer ‘Great’ Player After Chiefs WinThe Kansas City tight end has had a slow start to the season.
Read more »
Cris Collinsworth, Rodney Harrison 'flabbergasted' by third straight Travis Kelce dud: 'Got to focus'Travis Kelce is in his “JAG” era.
Read more »