News

Judge allows more DNA tests in 34-year-old killing in Maine

Judge allows more DNA tests in 34-year-old killing in Maine

Photo: clipart.com


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A judge has granted a request for additional DNA tests by a man convicted of killing a 12-year-old girl more than three decades ago.

Dennis Dechaine is serving a life sentence for the murder and sexual assault of Sarah Cherry, who was abducted while babysitting in Bowdoin. Her body was found two days after she disappeared in July 1988.

But Dechaine has maintained his innocence, and his defense attorneys have continued filing appeals and requests for more DNA tests.

A state judge on Friday granted a defense request for additional DNA testing. The defense contends a newer technology can be used to collect DNA from fabrics that could’ve been missed previously.

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has denied three requests for a new trial. In the latest, in 2015, the court concluded new DNA evidence wouldn’t have changed the outcome of the original trial.

Latest Headlines

11 hours ago in Local

One Dead, Two Injured in Topsham Head-On Crash

Police Car

The crash remains under investigation.

11 hours ago in Local

Fire Heavily Damages Boothbay Harbor Home

The fire occurred at 79 Western Avenue in Boothbay Harbor.

23 hours ago in Local

Almost 40 years later, police still seek answers about Westbrook homicide

As of this past Saturday, it has been 38 years since then-23-year-old Alice Hawkes was found dead in her Spring Street apartment.

2 days ago in Local

Member of Bush family expected to announce bid for Govenor next week

Health-care entrepreneur Jonathan Bush plans a "major announcement" Wednesday at athenahealth, the company he founded and moved to Belfast in 2008.

2 days ago in Local

Against the Odds: Maine’s Orchards Pull Off a Top-Quality Apple Harvest

Next year's apples might be a problem, but for now enjoy Maine's apples