DNA Tests in Texas Case May Prove Two Men Innocent

New DNA evidence may exclude two men long considered to be guilty of one of the most controversial homicide cases in Austin, Texas. Robert Springsteen, Michael Scott, Maurice Pearce and Forrest Welborn were all charged in 1991 for the murder of four teenagers, but only Springsteen and Scott were tried and convicted.

The four teenage girls were murdered at an I Can't Believe its Yogurt shop 17 years ago, but preliminary forensic DNA evidence from three of the four victims is reported be from multiple sources, none of which match Springsteen or Scott (nor do they match Maurice Pearce or Forrest Welborn ). Although both men also made admissions of guilt, they have since told the court that the confessions were coerced by investigating police officers.

Both Springsteen and Scott were in court this week, and although the final DNA test report will not be ready until next week, the judge told Springsteen and Scott that he would allow two more attorneys to help the defendants with their case.



Read the full story here

. (News 8 Austin, 1/7/09)

Read background on the case here

.