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Douglas Stewart Carter legal proceedings

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2026-09-29 00:06 UTC → 2026-09-29 02:30 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Douglas Stewart Carter, who has spent decades on death row for a 1985 murder, has seen significant legal developments following new DNA analysis. The evidence excluded Carter as a match to blood found on a doorknob and material on a knife handle used in the killing of Eva Olesen. Initially, Utah prosecutors announced they were withdrawing their intent to seek the death penalty in Carter’s upcoming retrial. This decision followed a Utah Supreme Court order for a new trial due to investigator misconduct. Carter’s original conviction had relied on a confession he claims was coerced and testimony from witnesses who later recanted. Subsequently, a Utah judge ordered Carter’s release on bail, despite objections from the victim’s family. As conditions of his release, Carter must wear a GPS monitor and avoid contact with the Olesen family. His defense attorney noted that Carter will require therapy to address the trauma of his 41-year incarceration. In recent developments, Judge Derek Pullan noted that while a reasonable jury could still potentially convict Carter, the new DNA evidence significantly undermines the prosecution's case. The retrial is currently scheduled for 2027.

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