US News

Utah death row inmate granted bail after DNA tests exclude him

ABC News reports that a Utah judge granted bail to Douglas Stewart Carter following new genetic testing.

Updated Sep 30, 2026 · 06:19 UTC4 reports

The short version

A Utah judge ordered 71-year-old Douglas Stewart Carter released on bail after decades on death row.[ABC News]
Recent DNA testing on a murder weapon handle and doorknob excluded Carter as a contributor.[ABC News]
The state Supreme Court ordered a retrial last year over investigator and prosecutor misconduct.[ABC News]
The judge noted that despite the weakened case, a reasonable jury could still convict Carter.[ABC News]

A Utah judge granted bail to 71-year-old Douglas Stewart Carter after decades on death row.[ABC News]
DNA testing excluded Carter from blood found on a doorknob and genetic evidence on a knife handle.[ABC News]
The Utah Supreme Court ordered a retrial last year due to intentional misconduct by police and prosecutors.[ABC News]
Theresa Olesen, the victim's daughter-in-law, stated at the hearing that the family holds serious concerns regarding Carter's release.[ABC News]

Judge Derek Pullan noted that a reasonable jury could still conclude Carter committed the murder despite the undermined case.[ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.