Search Maine Yellow Pages 
Log In | Register | Help
Morning Sentinel
DNA scrutiny should be
applied to Dechaine case
Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Thursday, January 25, 2007

Twenty-four years ago as a mother of young children, I remember well the horror of reading in the Kennebec Journal about the murder of a Fayette mother, Judith Flagg. An unsolved murder is difficult for the family, the police, and the community because we want the peace of knowing that the person who committed such a crime is behind bars. Therefore, I was pleased to read (Jan. 19) that with the help of DNA someone has been indicted for this crime.

The DNA came from Flagg's fingernail clippings and we were told by a forensic DNA analyst from the Maine State Police Crime Lab that "DNA samples degrade, yes, but they don't change."

This is in sharp contrast to the statement made by Attorney General William Stokes when the DNA found beneath Sarah Cherry's thumbnail was found not to be that of Dennis Dechaine. Stokes said there was no logical connection between the DNA under her thumbnail and the perpetrator of the crime.

I would like to suggest that the state put more effort into locating a match for the DNA found beneath Cherry's thumbnail so that one day I may read in the Kennebec Journal that her murderer has also been indicted.

Libby Harmon

Whitefield


Reader comments

Sort by: Oldest first | Newest First

lambie of Madison, ME
Jan 25, 2007 1:02 PM
The Dennis Dechaine case is the largest mishandled judicial blunder in Maine's history. What gives with our DA and Attorney General's office? Probably the "good-ole-boy" attitude is more important to them than knowing that they will eventually be an eye sore in our high school history books. An injustice and embarrassment for all Mainers.report abuse
RickinVa of Alexandria, VA
Jan 25, 2007 11:12 AM
Everyone in this area who has seen the Court TV show on this case shakes their head at how inept the justice system is in Maine.report abuse
Larry of Bath, ME
Jan 25, 2007 8:28 AM
DNA evidence only works properly if it helps the prosecutors silly. Even though nation wide hundreds of innocent folks have been set free on DNA evidence, our AG's office is infallible. Dechaine requested DNA tests prior to his trial and was denied. Now it proves his innocence and has no logical connection to his case?
Maybe it's not logical to Mr.Stokes but it sure is to me and many others.report abuse

You must be a registered user of MaineToday.com to post a comment. Register or log in.


MaineBusiness.com: Maine News Direct  Business Classifieds  Blogs
Arts & Entertainment: Calendar   Movies   Music   Dining
Travel: Maine Regions   Things to Do   Maine Guide   From Away   Vacation Rentals   Lodging Guide   Campgrounds
Outdoors: Biking   Fishing   Hiking   Hunting   Nature Watching   Outdoors with Children   Paddling
Other sections: myMaineToday   Seen   Blogs   Pets   Kids & Family
Classifieds: MaineJobs   Real Estate   Wheels   Marketplace   Celebrations   Place an ad
Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram: News   Sports   Business   Editorials   Nemitz   iHerald   Obituaries   Special Reports   Reader Services
Subscriber Rewards Club  
Kennebec Journal: News   Sports   Obituaries   Opinion   Reader Services
Morning Sentinel: News   Sports   Obituaries   Opinion   Reader Services
Advertising: Advertising products   Audience   Content areas   Service   Contact us
Questions/Comments?
Copyright © 2009, MaineToday Media, Inc.