Morning Sentinel
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

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Jim Moore of Brunswick, ME
Apr 9, 2007 7:37 AM
The huge difference between AG Rowe's office and Dechaine's supporters is: the theory of the crime advanced by prosecutors ignores/contradicts the scientific evidence, while the theory which is supported by Dechaine's supporters of how the crime occurred accounts for all of the evidence -- including the facts concealed by prosecutors.

Then, too, while I've offered a $1,000 reward to anyone who can specify any untrue statement in my book (Human Sacrifice -- a book for which I'm accepting no royalties) regarding evidence of the crime or official misconduct (a reward which no one has attepmted to collect), the officials in this case don't dare to offer a reward to anyone citing false statements they've made.

report abuse
Larry of Bath, ME
Apr 9, 2007 9:02 AM
I think it's time for a trial where the jury can see and hear everything in this case.
The white washed, hand picked 3 friend commision didn't work this time Steve. report abuse
Deborah Caldwell of Farmingdale, ME
Apr 9, 2007 9:41 AM
A shame for the State of Maine? What about a shame for Denis Duchaine? I do not even know the man, but my West Gardiner neighbors know him, and they testify that he was with them just minutes before the murder. They go into hysterics when the case is mentioned. The key witness to that fact is terribly ill right now. What if he dies? Then he cannot be witness. This is AWFUL to leave a whole man in jail like this for no good reason. This is AWFUL. Can these letters be sent to the printed media? How can we demand another trial? 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

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