Legal Commentary

New DNA Evidence Found in Tim Masters Case

By Jeralyn

DNA "touch tests" have produced new evidence in the case of Tim Masters, wrongfully imprisoned for ten years for the murder of Peggy Hettrick. Masters received a $10 million settlement from the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County, Colorado.

Two prosecutors in the case, Terry Gilmore and Jolene Blair, are now district court judges. They were censured by the Colorado Supreme Court for misconduct in failing to comply with proper defense discovery requests and engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. The Blair decision is here and the Gilmore decision is here. They are up for a retention vote in November. [More...]

James Broderick,the lead detective in the case is facing 8 felony counts of perjury and obstruction of justice.

The new DNA test, using technology not previously available, cost $100,000.00. Attorney General John Suthers indicated they are focused on someone other than Masters:

Though his conviction was vacated, Masters has never been exonerated and legally remains a suspect in Hettrick’s death. But in his interview with the Coloradoan, Suthers suggested the investigation now might be focusing on someone other than Masters.

The findings reportedly show DNA evidence on the victim's clothing.

Will Larimer County voters care that two of their judges were censured for their misconduct in the case and vote them out in November?

Full post as published by TalkLeft on September 19, 2010 (boomark / email).