| Apr 6, 2001 - 04:26
PM Condemned Killer Asks for DNA Tests TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A death row inmate scheduled to be executed May 1 for the 1983 murder of a 15-year-old Tampa girl asked Gov. Jeb Bush to delay the execution for a DNA test. Several hairs found with the victim's body could not be tested in 1984 when they were sent to the FBI. But they can now - and may exonerate Wayne Tompkins in the death of Lisa DeCarr, attorney Todd Scher wrote in his Friday letter to Bush. "Mr. Tompkins maintained and continues to maintain his innocence in the death of Lisa DeCarr," Scher wrote. But Bush spokeswoman Katie Baur said the execution would not immediately be stayed. "We're currently investigating the statements made by Mr. Tompkins' lawyer in his letter to the governor and if there is any relevant DNA evidence, we'll take steps to make sure it is properly tested," Baur said. AP-ES-04-06-01 1625EDT |
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