Search Maine Yellow Pages 
Log In | Register | Help
Science proves that Dechaine is not guilty
Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Monday, April 9, 2007

Attorney General Steven Rowe recently stated that pollution laws should be based on science, not politics. So why does he not apply the same standard to the Dennis Dechaine case?

Science proved early that the mixed blood found under the victim's nails was not Dechaine's type, and, later, that the DNA under her thumbnail was from a male who was not Dechaine. Science indicates that the murder took place after Dechaine was picked up by the police. Forensics found no evidence that the girl had ever been in Dechaine's truck, and an expert determined that tire tracks in the driveway were not Dechaine's. Likely vital scientific evidence -- hairs and the rape kit -- were incinerated by order of the then deputy attorney general shortly after an appeal had been filed.

Science tells us that Dechaine deserves a new trial; justice demands one. But political expediency trumps all. What a shameful story for Maine.

William Bunting

Whitefield


Reader comments

Sort by: Oldest first | Newest First

Nelson Donnell of West Gardiner, ME
Apr 10, 2007 8:38 AM

If in fact there are potential witnesses who could provide testimony to clear or aid Dennis in this matter, I think it would be prudent to get certified video depositions of their testimony so as to preserve what they've witnessed. Time waits for no one.

Now, I doubt if Dennis was with the people (that Deborah mentions) just 'minutes' before Sarah's murder. You see, according to the time line evidence in the coroner's report, Dennis apparently had been in police custody being questioned as a person of interest (for several hours) at the time of Sarah's death.


report abuse
RickinVa of Alexandria, VA
Apr 9, 2007 11:13 AM
After seeing the program on Court TV last year dealing with this case, I expected that Maine officials would do the right thing rather than essentially say it didn't matter that the evidence pointed to his innocence. Trust me - that alone caused many people down here to look at Maine's procecutor's as a bunch of morons. report abuse
Jim Moore of Brunswick, ME
Apr 9, 2007 10:59 AM
Regarding Deborah Caldwell's comment, officials have been doing everything in their power to resist and delay any action on the Dechaine case. They'd be quite pleased if any witness who disproves their case would become unavailable.


report abuse
Deborah Caldwell of Farmingdale, ME
Apr 9, 2007 9:42 AM
Did you receive my comment? It disappeared. Can you publish it in the hardcopy of the KJ? Thanks.report abuse

Show all 7 comments

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 © 2008, Blethen Maine Newspapers, Inc.