Louisville men ask for new trial after DNA testing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Attorneys for two Louisville men who have spent the last 20 years in prison for murder are requesting a new trial after DNA testing discredited the key evidence leading to their convictions.

The Courier-Journal reports (http://cjky.it/1A4Z50C) Garr Keith Hardin and Jeffrey Dewayne Clark were convicted in the 1992 death of Rhonda Warford in what the prosecution claimed was a Satanic-inspired murder.

They were convicted in part based on testimony that a hair found on Warford’s sweatpants was a "microscopic match" with Hardin.

But DNA testing now shows the hair didn’t belong to either man, according to the motion for a new trial filed Feb. 26.

Meade Commonwealth’s Attorney David M. Williams hasn’t formally responded to the motion but said in an interview that he will oppose it.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

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