According to this article over at the Pioneer Press, a Burnsville Police Officer is now at the center of a murder trial in Dakota County because allegedly he “concealed the (DNA) analysis from both sides.”
From the article:
Attorneys for 19-year-old murder suspect Taylor Pass have introduced new DNA evidence taken from a hat and sweat shirt found at the crime scene that does not match the DNA of Pass, 35-year-old SanRoman or her roommate, 23-year-old Odai Al-Refo.
The defense hopes to determine why that DNA evidence wasn’t presented to them or to prosecutors sooner. A report issued July 14 by a forensic scientist with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was not shared with defense attorney Arlene Perkkio or Assistant Dakota County Attorney Larry Clark, the prosecutor in the case, until Friday, nearly four months after its completion.
The outcome of this could be devastating to the county prosecutor’s office. If this guy gets off on the charges then it could be another Timothy Bedford situation (the same guy who carjacked a 79 year old and who is now back in jail) where someone is arrested, charged, put in jail for serious crimes which could bring 20 years in jail but yet they are out roaming the streets of Burnsville again only a few months later?
So what was the reason for this additional DNA evidence being overlooked? Is it straight incompetence on the part of the Burnsville PD or is it because they have been so overworked due to the budget cuts and reliance on grants? Maybe it shows a pattern of keeping those who need to know in the dark when it comes to public safety? Will this new DNA evidence lead to the eventual release of this suspect? Whatever you have to say about this please go ahead and comment on as I’d love to hear what you think!
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:35 am
So the Sheriff hid DNA evidence that seems to show the guys being prosecuted weren’t at the scene, and you’re upset that he’s going to get let off?
It sounds like the Sheriff didn’t want to do his job and do more investigation to find out who was really at the scene, and try to get some innocent people charged/jailed and make himself look good.
The Sheriff should get punished for this. Maybe pay the guys legal bills if its found he hid it without the knowledge of others in his office?
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
1. I had to reread what the article said to make sure I was correct in what I said. It was a Burnsville police officer, not a Dakota County Sheriff that withheld the evidence. It’s an important distinction here.
2. I don’t care if the guy gets let go if he’s innocent but if it’s just because of a technicality caused by incompetence, stress, etc then I’m sure others will be pissed.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Appears to me that the Burnsville Police Department Investigator is on the same reporting schedule as the CFO of the City of Burnsville. They really are not withholding information, they are simply on a quarterly reporting schedule of any information, reports, updates or delivery of evidence similar to that associated with the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.
“If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” and it appears that the Burnsville Police Officer was not diligent in delivery of the glove as evidence in this case for whatever reason. Curious to learn more on the officer and the rationale on why this evidence was not delivered to both attorneys upon receipt of such evidence or lack there of.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Funny you bring that up as I *just* e-mailed the Clerk asking where the PAC Financials are from September (it’s been 14 days since they were released to the city).
We already know that the Finance Dept doesn’t do jack shit with them anyway, why can’t they just be released to the public on time?
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Ok, so Pass was released on bail today of $50K down from $750K on house arrest. Looks like the Burnsville Police did not forward significant BCA findings to both lawyers in this latest article.
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/69004842.html?page=1&c=y