Douglas Stewart Carter, a 71-year-old man imprisoned on death row in Utah for 41 years, was released on bail following a September DNA analysis that eliminated physical evidence linking him to the 1985 murder of Eva Olesen. According to court records, the new genetic testing found that a bloodstain at the crime scene and genetic material on the murder weapon did not originate from Carter, prompting a judge to order a new trial while noting that the updated evidence weakens the state’s case.
DNA Analysis Remaps the 1985 Murder Evidence
The forensic breakthrough centers on biological samples collected from the 1985 crime scene in Utah. Laboratory results finalized in September established that genetic material recovered from the murder weapon and a bloodstain left at the location did not originate from Douglas Stewart Carter. This development dismantled the physical evidence trail used to secure Carter’s original conviction.
During the 1985 proceedings, prosecutors presented testimony from two witnesses who stated that Carter had bragged about killing Olesen, alongside a signed confession that Carter maintained was given under duress. Both witnesses have since recanted their trial testimonies. With the elimination of physical matching evidence, the presiding judge ordered a new trial, though the court observed that a jury could still choose to convict Carter based on remaining circumstantial arguments.
Bail Conditions and Prosecution Strategy
Utah judicial authorities released Carter on bail with strict supervision requirements. He is required to wear an electronic ankle monitor while awaiting his upcoming trial, which is scheduled for next year. The court also imposed a strict no-contact order prohibiting Carter from approaching members of the Olesen family.
The victim’s family, including relatives of Olesen who was the aunt of the police chief in Provo at the time of the killing, strongly protested the release decision in court filings. Meanwhile, the state’s prosecuting office announced it will not seek the death penalty when the case returns to court for the new proceedings.
DNA evidence leads to Carter release and upcoming trial
Why was Douglas Stewart Carter released from death row?
A judge ordered Carter released on bail after a September DNA analysis showed that a crime scene bloodstain and genetic material on the murder weapon did not belong to him, removing the physical evidence linking him to the 1985 crime.
What restrictions apply to Carter while he awaits trial?
Carter must wear an ankle monitor and is legally barred from contacting any members of the Olesen family.
What happened to the original witnesses and confession?
The two witnesses who testified in 1985 that Carter confessed to them have since recanted their statements, and Carter has maintained his innocence, claiming his original signed confession was given under coercion.
Keep reading