The Arizona Supreme Court overturned a lower court's decision, ruling that DNA evidence obtained from a DUI arrest can be used in the murder trial of Ian Mitcham, who is accused of killing Allison Feldman in 2015.
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that DNA evidence can be used in the murder case of Allison Feldman. Feldman was found dead in her Scottsdale home in 2015. Ian Mitcham was arrested for Feldman's murder after investigators say they matched DNA from the crime scene to Mitcham's brother, who was in prison. Police then used a sample of Mitcham's DNA from a 2015 DUI arrest to put him at the murder scene.
Last year, just before the case was set to go to trial, a judge tossed out the DNA evidence. The defense argued that using the sample violated Mitcham's Fourth Amendment rights because he didn't consent to it being used, and it was supposed to have been destroyed. The Arizona Court of Appeals later reversed that decision, which led to an appeal to the state supreme court. In September, the state supreme court heard arguments from both sides on the DNA evidence. The case arose after Mitcham was arrested for DUI and consented to a blood test to determine alcohol concentration or drug content. Years later, while investigating Feldman’s murder, police suspected Mitcham’s involvement and used the previously collected blood sample to sequence a DNA profile, which linked Mitcham to the crime scene. The DNA sequencing was conducted without a warrant, leading to legal challenges regarding the constitutionality of the search. The Supreme Court reversed the superior court and sent the case back to that court for trial. The Court found that the warrantless sequencing of DNA from Mitcham’s blood violated his Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. But the Court held because the police would have discovered the DNA evidence through lawful means untainted by the illegal search, the prosecution should not be precluded from introducing that evidence at trial
DNA Evidence Murder Case Fourth Amendment DUI Arrest Arizona Supreme Court
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.
Arizona Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Familial DNA Evidence in 2015 Murder CaseThe Arizona Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling on the admissibility of familial DNA evidence in the 2015 murder of Allison Feldman. The decision will determine whether Ian Mitcham's trial, which has been on hold for years, can proceed. The case centers on the use of familial DNA, which linked Mitcham to the crime scene through his brother, to identify a suspect.
Read more »
Governor Katie Hobbs to weigh 5 options for new Arizona Supreme Court JusticeFive nominees have been submitted to Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs to replace outgoing State Supreme Court Justice Robert Brutinel.
Read more »
Montana Supreme Court upholds lower court ruling that allows gender-affirming care for minorsThe Montana Supreme Court is continuing to block a law that sought to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors while it goes through the courts. Justices, in a unanimous ruling on Wednesday say a state judge was correct in saying the law was likely unconstitutional.
Read more »
Texas Supreme Court overturns ruling that state Attorney General Ken Paxton testify in lawsuitThe Texas Supreme Court has overturned a lower court ruling that state Attorney General...
Read more »
Live election results: Mississippi Supreme Court, Court of Appeals runoffsSupreme Court Justice Jim Kitchens faces challenger Jenifer Branning, and Jennifer Schloegel and Amy St. Pé are vying for Court of Appeals.
Read more »
Mississippi Runoff Elections: Voters Choose Supreme Court Justice and Court of Appeals JudgeVoters in Mississippi will decide on a state Supreme Court justice and a Court of Appeals judge in runoff elections closing at 7 p.m. today. The Jackson Metro area and central Mississippi see incumbent Justice Jim Kitchens facing state Sen. Jenifer Branning, while the Gulf Coast region has a contest between Jennifer Schloegel and Amy St. Pé.
Read more »