Douglas Carter ordered released on bail after decades on Utah’s death row after DNA tests show no match to him

Key Points:

• A Utah judge ordered the release on bail of Douglas Stewart Carter, who spent decades on death row for a 1985 murder, after new DNA evidence excluded him as a match to blood and genetic material found at the crime scene.
• Carter was originally convicted based on a coerced confession and testimony from witnesses later found to have been bribed and threatened by police to implicate him; the Utah Supreme Court ordered a new trial last year citing police and prosecutorial misconduct.
• Prosecutors withdrew their intent to seek the death penalty and reassessed bail as the state continues reviewing remaining evidence, while Carter’s defense highlights suppressed evidence pointing to other suspects, including the victim’s husband.
• The victim’s family expressed serious concerns about Carter’s release, emphasizing their desire for justice and continuation of the investigation despite the DNA results not matching Carter.
• Carter’s defense attorney noted the psychological impact of his 41 years of incarceration and plans for him to receive therapy and live near family upon release.