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| DNA Clears 16-Year Inmate of Murder, Rape |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 12/01/2003 |
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A man behind bars for 16 years for an elderly neighbor's rape and murder was was released on Nov. 21 after new DNA evidence showed that body fluids from the crime scene were not his. As he got into his brother's car that afternoon, Barry Laughman said he felt "great. The truth is coming out. It just took too long. Now, I've got to go live my life." Laughman was convicted in 1988 and was serving a life sentence in the slaying of a distant relative and neighbor, 85-year-old Edna Laughman. But last summer, The Patriot-News of Harrisburg, Penn. said that it tracked down the DNA samples from semen found at the scene, and that a new set of laboratory tests excluded Laughman as the source. Friday's ruling by Adams County's president judge, John D. Kuhn, did not exonerate Laughman, who is seeking a new trial that would include the DNA evidence. A hearing on that petition was pending. Laughman's brother Larry said the family was taking him to an all-you-can-eat diner that night to celebrate. He said Barry was also looking forward to playing guitar and going fishing. Prosecutor Paul Dean said he wasn't making any statement about Laughman's guilt or innocence by requesting bail but believes it was justified, considering the DNA tests. "Absolutely it's an open investigation," Dean said. Laughman plans to live with his brother in Hanover and work at the fertilizer manufacturer where he was employed when he was arrested, said his attorney, David Foster. Laughman will remain on house arrest under monitoring. Police had said Laughman confessed several weeks after the crime, admitting information only the killer could have known. But he now denies being the killer. Laughman had an IQ of 70 at the time, meaning he functioned at a 10-year-old's level, experts say. |
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