New DNA Tests Don’t Connect Convicted Murderer to Crime

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — New DNA testing in a 1996 Idaho murder found genetic material belonging to an unknown man but no DNA matching that of the person currently imprisoned for committing the murder.

The Post-Register reports that DNA samples taken from the body of 18-year-old Angie Dodge didn't belong to Chris Tapp, who is currently in prison for her murder. There was also no match to a second man who police suspect was involved with the murder. The samples were taken from swabs of Dodge's hands, the clothing she was wearing and a teddy bear found near her body.

The DNA points to an unknown man who left semen, hair and skin cells at the crime scene. Public defender John Thomas says the results indicate that Tapp's confession was false.