DNA evidence leads to conviction of real perpetrator in Dallas case

Jerry Pabst was convicted today of killing a Garland, Texas, woman at her home in 1986, based on DNA test results and other evidence uncovered during an Innocence Project investigation into the conviction of client Clay Chabot.

Chabot, an Innocence Project client, served 21 years in prison for the murder before he was released on bond last year based on the new DNA evidence pointing to Pabst. Charges are still pending against him in the case, and he is currently under house arrest. Innocence Project Co-Director Barry Scheck issued a statement today on Pabst’s conviction:

“More than 22 years after her murder, this verdict finally brings justice for Galua Crosby and her family. We are glad that the DNA testing and investigation we did in Clay Chabot’s case helped identify and apprehend Jerry Pabst, and we commend the District Attorney’s office for finally bringing Pabst to justice. Clay Chabot fought for years for the DNA testing that led a judge to recommend overturning his conviction and resulted in Jerry Pabst’s arrest. With justice finally done, we hope Clay’s case can be resolved quickly.”

Read more about Chabot’s case here

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