New DNA tests sought for retrial

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New DNA tests sought for retrial
Advanced analysis may shed new light in murder case involving former state trooper.
Associated Press
January 18, 2005


NEW ALBANY, Ind. -- Prosecutors and defense attorneys both are looking for technological advances in DNA testing to boost their arguments as they prepare for the retrial of a former state trooper on charges he killed his wife and two young children.

New tests might identify previously unidentifiable DNA on a sweatshirt and pants that were inside the garage where the bodies of David Camm's family members were found, attorneys said.

The tests are being sought for the expected retrial of Camm, whose convictions for the September 2000 slayings were overturned by an appeals court; that court ruled the trial judge improperly allowed evidence about Camm's adultery.

Camm, who has maintained his innocence, remains jailed after Floyd County Prosecutor Keith Henderson in November filed new murder charges against him for the deaths of his wife, Kimberly, 35, and their children, Bradley, 7, and Jill, 5.

In a motion seeking Camm's release on bail, defense attorneys argued a mixture of Kimberly Camm's DNA with that of an unknown male was found on the sweatpants Bradley was wearing when he was killed.

Defense attorney Stacy Uliana also said new DNA analysis might identify the unknown DNA found on a sweatshirt and a number of hairs found in the family's garage in Georgetown, about 15 miles west of Louisville, Ky.

"I'm putting together a list of what we want retested," she told The Courier-Journal of Louisville. "As evidenced by all of the innocent men being released from prison due to advancements in DNA technology, the truth prevails through credible science."

Henderson said State Police experts were conducting new tests.

"I don't want to overly dramatize the benefit of new technology to this case," he said. "It may turn out there isn't any (benefit). But I would be derelict in my duties not to go through and evaluate."

A hearing on whether Camm can be released on bond has been scheduled for Jan. 26 before the Warrick County judge appointed to oversee the case. Defense attorneys asked for the trial to be moved from Floyd County, where Camm was tried in 2002.

Prosecutors at the time used blood-splatter evidence to connect Camm to the shootings. Eleven witnesses, however, testified Camm was playing basketball at his church at the time his wife and children were shot as they returned home from a swim practice.

Camm was a trooper with the Indiana State Police for 10 years but resigned about four months before the slayings to work for an uncle's construction company.

http://www.indystar.com/articles/5/210358-2615-009.html