The decision came after a new DNA analysis found that Carter’s DNA did not match biological evidence recovered from the crime scene, CBS News reports.
The original jury verdict was based on Carter’s alleged confessions and testimony from two witnesses who claimed that he had told them about the murder. However, investigators had no physical evidence placing Carter at the crime scene. Both witnesses later recanted their statements. Carter himself maintains that he confessed after being threatened.
In 2024, the Utah Supreme Court ordered the case to be reopened after identifying misconduct by investigators.
Relatives of the victim oppose Carter’s release. Eva Olesen’s daughter-in-law said the family hopes the investigation will continue. In her view, the fact that the DNA found at the crime scene does not belong to Carter does not prove that he was completely uninvolved in the murder.
