Listen Live

News

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

3 years ago in Local

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.

Tags:

Story © 2022 Associated Press - Images © 2022 clipart.com

Latest Headlines

3 hours ago in Local

15 Summoned, One Arrested in Hancock County Underage Drinking Bust

Hancock County deputies say Maine State Police assisted them in the investigation.

4 hours ago in Local

Kennebunk Firefighters Save Car From Falling Into River

The vehicle came to rest in a position where it was ready to roll over and down a 15-foot drop.

2 days ago in Local

Trump Shuts Down Offshore Wind in New England; Nova Scotia Eyes Opportunity

The administration’s freeze on U.S. ocean wind projects could set clean energy back a decade. Nova Scotia’s massive Wind West project hopes to fill the gap and even sell power to the U.S.

2 days ago in Local

Federal Policy Could Push Hundreds of Mainers Out of Long-Term Housing

HUD plans to cut funding for permanent supportive housing and shift to transitional programs, leaving vulnerable Mainers at risk of homelessness. Advocates warn shelters could be overwhelmed.

2 days ago in Local

Maine Announces $550K in Grants to Boost Coastal Resilience

The state just announced $550,000 in grants to help communities prepare for future storms and flooding. Towns and regional groups can apply for funding to strengthen infrastructure and plan for climate risks. Applications are due Jan. 5.