A Utah judge has ordered the release of Douglas Stewart Carter, a 71-year-old man who spent decades on death row for the 1985 murder of Eva Olesen, after new DNA evidence did not match him. Despite objections from the victim’s family, Carter was granted bail with conditions, including wearing a GPS monitor and avoiding contact with Olesen’s family. Carter, who has always maintained his innocence, claims his confession was coerced, and no physical evidence linked him to the crime. The state Supreme Court had previously ordered a new trial due to investigator misconduct, and recent DNA analysis excluded Carter as a match to evidence found at the crime scene. Prosecutors have withdrawn their intent to seek the death penalty, and Carter’s defense attorney highlighted the trauma Carter faces after 41 years of incarceration. The case continues to be reassessed as the state examines remaining evidence.
QUESTION: How might the advancements in DNA technology impact the justice system and cases like Douglas Stewart Carter’s in the future?
Man who spent decades on death row ordered released on bail after no DNA match
