The ruling means a second trial now looms for the two-decades-old murder case
Testimony at the Jane Dorotik hearing has revealed long-running concerns inside the county crime lab about the work record of a former criminalistDorotik was convicted of murdering her husband Robert in February 2000. His body was found off a roadside not far from the couple’s Valley Center ranch. She had reported him missing in the evening of Feb. 13, 2000. Jane Dorotik told authorities that the last time she saw him was earlier that day as he prepared to go running.
The case against her was nearly entirely circumstantial, relying on forensics such as crime-scene and blood analysis. There were no eyewitnesses. On Friday Michael Cavalluzzi, one of Dorotik’s lawyers, argued that Kearney should use the power judges have to end the case by dismissing the charges entirely. Prosecutors had introduced no new evidence in the hearing, he said, and instead continued to rely on evidence from the original trial that was no longer reliable or credible.
He also slammed prosecutors for withholding evidence or not promptly turning it over. One example: at the trial the prosecution told jurors the murder weapon was probably a hammer, and displayed a common household hammer to the jury.
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.
Jane Campion on “The Power of the Dog,” and Putin’s Descent into DespotismJane Campion, one of cinema’s true auteurs, talks with David Remnick about her new film, “The Power of the Dog”—which is set in the West but is not exactly a Western. Listen here.
Read more »
Jane Campion and Guillermo del Toro on Why the Theatrical Experience Is Still So ImportantGuillermo del Toro and Jane Campion have strong thoughts about filmmaking — both in execution and exhibition — in this modern streaming age. And lucky for us, they’re not afraid to share thos…
Read more »
Judge turns focus of Whitmer-kidnap trial to entrapmentThe focus of a federal trial in Michigan has shifted directly to the question of whether the FBI hoodwinked four defendants into agreeing to a plot to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Read more »
Judge turns focus of Whitmer-kidnap trial to entrapmentThe focus of a federal trial in Michigan has shifted directly to the question of whether the FBI hoodwinked four defendants into agreeing to a plot to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Read more »
Judge blocks Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's order to treat gender-affirming trans care as 'child abuse'Judge Amy Clark Meachum ruled Republican Gov. Greg Abbott exceeded his authority in a Feb. 22 directive to investigate such medical treatment.
Read more »
Judge dismisses claims that Rep. Mo Brooks incited Capitol riotFederal judge dismisses civil claims against Rep. Brooks that allege he helped incite supporters of former President Trump’s to attack the U.S. Capitol in January 2021.
Read more »