Utah death row inmate released after DNA evidence excludes him from 1985 killing

Key Points:

• Douglas Stewart Carter, who spent decades on Utah's death row for the 1985 murder of Eva Olesen, has been released on bail after new DNA evidence excluded him as the source of DNA found on key evidence in the case.
• The Utah Supreme Court ordered a new trial last year due to investigator misconduct, and prosecutors have withdrawn plans to seek the death penalty, while Carter must wear a GPS monitor and avoid contact with the victim’s family as he awaits retrial.
• Carter has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming his confession was coerced, and two key witnesses who testified against him later recanted, admitting they were paid and threatened by police to implicate him.
• DNA analysis excluded Carter as a match to blood on a doorknob and genetic material on a knife, further undermining the prosecution’s case, though a judge noted a jury could still find him guilty.
• The victim’s family expressed concerns about Carter’s release, emphasizing their desire for justice, while defense attorneys highlighted suppressed evidence suggesting other potential suspects, including the victim’s husband.