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Man who spent decades on death row ordered released on bail after no DNA match

Man who spent decades on death row ordered released on bail after no DNA match

Summary

A Utah judge ordered the release on bail of Douglas Stewart Carter, a 71-year-old man who spent decades on death row for a 1985 murder, after new DNA tests showed no match to him. Prosecutors dropped plans to seek the death penalty, and Carter will wear a GPS monitor and stay away from the victim's family while awaiting a new trial.

Key Facts

  • Douglas Stewart Carter was convicted in 1985 for the murder of Eva Olesen and sentenced to death.
  • A Utah Supreme Court ordered a new trial in 2025 due to police misconduct in the original case.
  • Carter always claimed his confession was forced and said he was innocent.
  • New DNA evidence from the crime scene does not match Carter.
  • Prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty in the retrial.
  • Carter’s bail was set with conditions including wearing a GPS monitor and avoiding the victim’s family.
  • Two witnesses who initially testified against Carter later said they were paid and gave false statements.
  • Carter will receive therapy to help with the trauma caused by his long time in prison.
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