Trial and Error
The Outcry for Justice in the Dennis Dechaine Case
Dechaine hearing hinges on DNA sample
Jun 12, 2012
PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) – It’s been one of the most publicized cases in Maine. Today the person at the center of it was back in court. This is Dennis Dechaine’s fifth and perhaps last attempt to get a new trial.
He was convicted of a horrific crime. An innocent 12-year old girl kidnapped, Tortured and murdered. 24-years later Dechaine is still fighting to clear his name in the murder of Sarah Cherry.
The state claims there is overwhelming evidence against Dechaine. The defense says a small piece of DNA can clear him. The sample was taken from the fingernail of the victim. The DNA matches Sarah Cherry and another unidentified male. It does not match Dennis Dechaine.
“We have to show by clear and convincing evidence, which is a high standard, that a jury probably would have went in another direction if they heard this DNA evidence. We know what the burden is”, said Dechaine’s attorney Steven Petersen.
The hearing continues Wednesday morning.
Written by
Chris Rose
Read the Book
Human Sacrifice: On the Altar of Injustice
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I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy of Liberty’s Prison: The Inmate’s Son Who Radically Reformed an American Prison. The book features the life and career of Maine’s Commissioner of Corrections Randall “Randy” Liberty and includes interviews with several men who are currently incarcerated at the Maine State Prison. Although the author uses pseudonyms, I’m certain that the man named “John” is Dennis. This book gives us a glimpse into “John’s” life behind bars, an opportunity to learn about all of the good he is doing for the benefit of his fellow inmates. No one who knows Dennis will be the least bit surprised!