Home » Women's Interest Articles » Is DNA Evidence Alone Enough to Convict Colorado Man of Rape?
Is DNA Evidence Alone Enough to Convict Colorado Man of Rape?
A recent Colorado case has legal experts wondering whether prosecutors can meet their burden of proof solely based on DNA test results.
December 16, 2011 /Womens Interest PR News/ -- When a 22-year-old Colorado woman was raped in late 2009, prosecutors claimed that the trail of evidence went cold, at least until forensic testing focused blame on 33-year-old Gejuan Lancaster, whose DNA was collected following his arrest on an unrelated charge. Mr. Lancaster's trial commenced in November of 2011, and he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
But, from the viewpoint of a Colorado violent crime defense attorney, there are gaping holes in the case against Mr. Lancaster. According to the defense team in the case, police ignored other promising leads the moment a DNA test result came back, unquestioningly pursuing a case against Lancaster based on scant evidence beyond a single set of lab results.
Alternate Suspect Eliminated After DNA Test
Originally, the prime suspect in the rape was a registered sex offender who drove a sport utility vehicle similar to the one described by the victim. Unlike Lancaster, the sex offender closely matched the victim's detailed description of her attacker, right down to distinctive markings beneath his eye. Lancaster's defense attorney even pointed out that the victim picked this alternate suspect's photo out of an initial police lineup.
But, any police efforts to follow up on this lead ceased when Lancaster's DNA came up as a match in police testing conducted in March. Lancaster's legal team has accused the authorities of closing the book on a pending case based on a single test, without bothering to investigate other suspects or take additional measures to confirm Lancaster's involvement.
Legal Challenges to Weak Cases
Mr. Lancaster's case is being closely scrutinized by many Colorado defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges. The lack of any substantial evidence tying Lancaster to the rape beyond the DNA test calls into question whether his guilt may be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
When prosecutors move forward with minimal evidence, it is essential for those accused of a crime to expose the flaws of a weak case. If you have been accused of a crime, ensure your rights are protected and avoid being wrongfully punished by retaining an experienced criminal defense trial lawyer.
Article provided by Charles L. Fife & Associates, P.C.
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