DNA evidence has led to charges in a Kansas City rape and murder case that happened 20 years ago. The prosecutor says DNA from semen at the crime scene has led to murder and armed criminal action charges agianst Blake McMilian, who was 24 then. He’s charged with murdering Shelley Rosted, who was 21 when she was left to die from a stab wound in 1984. McMilian’s DNA is in a state database because of previous convictions for sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and three burglaries.
Lawmakers Approve DNA Testing Of All Prisoners
May 11, 2004 By
Missouri would provide restitution for those released from prison when DNA testing proves their innocence under a bill approved by the Legislature and sent to the Governor. The bill mandates DNA testing of all incoming felons as well as those now incarcerated. Should DNA evidence free a prisoner, the state would give that prisoner $50 for each day wrongly spent in prison. The bill, which had been approved by the Senate, is now approved by the House and is on its way to the Governor.
Lawmakers Move To Compensate People Wrongly Imprisoned
February 9, 2004 By
Efforts are being made in the Legislature to see that people freed from prison because of DNA evidence get something for the time they’ve been wrongly imprisoned.Senator Matt Bartle of Lee’s Summit thinks the state should give those people some money to get their lives re-started. The Senate has voted to pay those people an amount equal to the federal poverty level, times the number of years they were wrongly imprisoned. The present federal poverty income level is about $8,999. If the House and Governor approve of the idea, a person wrongly imprisoned for, say, five years, would be given almost $45,000 by the state upon their release.
Lawmakers Consider Mandatory DNA Sampling Of Those In Custody
February 5, 2004 By
The Legislature is being asked to make DNA samples a greater part of Missouri law enforcement. Senator Matt Bartle is pushing a bill requiring DNA samples from all people in custody of the corrections department, and from all people convicted of violent and sexual crimes. The DNA tests would be analyzed and put into a federal crimedatabase. He would pay for the program with increased court fees and with federal grants.
Senate Considers Expanded Use Of DNA In Criminal Trials
April 8, 2003 By
Members of a State Senate committee are considering a bill that would demand more use of DNA evidence in criminal trials. The bill is spurred by the exonerations of more than 100 people nationwide through DNA evidence. Nearly all ended up in prison, because of eyewitness accounts. University of Missouri law professor Rodney Uphoff says its a national problem. He says eyewitnesses can be wrong, even when completely convinced of the testimoney they give. He says Missouri would benefit greatly by expanding its DNA data base, because it would protect the state against wrongful imprisonment lawsuits and ensure Missourians the right people are behind bars.
