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Utah Man Released from Death Row After DNA Evidence Excludes Him

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 · 2 sources

Douglas Stewart Carter, 71, has been released from Utah's death row due to DNA evidence that excludes him from a 1985 murder. He is now awaiting a new trial in the case.

Douglas Stewart Carter, a 71-year-old man, was released from Utah's death row after DNA evidence excluded him from a 1985 murder. Carter had been on death row for the crime, but the new DNA evidence has raised questions about his guilt. He now awaits a new trial in the case.

The release from death row comes as a result of the DNA evidence that was re-examined in the case. This evidence has led to Carter being excluded as a suspect in the 1985 killing.

Carter's case will now move forward with a new trial, where the evidence will be re-examined and a new verdict will be reached. The new trial will provide an opportunity for the prosecution and defense to present their cases again, taking into account the new DNA evidence.

The 50+ takeaway: DNA evidence can impact wrongful convictions.

Go Deeper

What was Douglas Stewart Carter accused of?

Douglas Stewart Carter was accused of a 1985 murder in Utah. He had been on death row for the crime before being released due to new DNA evidence.

What led to Carter's release from death row?

Carter's release from death row was due to DNA evidence that excluded him as a suspect in the 1985 killing. This new evidence raised questions about his guilt and led to his release.

What happens next in Carter's case?

Carter now awaits a new trial in the case, where the evidence will be re-examined and a new verdict will be reached. The prosecution and defense will have the opportunity to present their cases again, taking into account the new DNA evidence.

How old is Douglas Stewart Carter?

Douglas Stewart Carter is 71 years old. He has spent a significant amount of time on death row before being released due to the new DNA evidence.

Where was Carter being held?

Carter was being held on Utah's death row before being released due to the new DNA evidence that excluded him as a suspect in the 1985 killing.