Pa. inmate gets new trial after DNA test

By Associated Press, 8/28/2003

PHILADELPHIA -- A man who has been on death row since 1983 for rape and murder was formally granted the right to a new trial, one week after DNA tests on key evidence showed no link to him.

Prosecutors would not say whether Nicholas James Yarris, 42, should be completely free from charges, but acknowledged they might not have enough evidence for a new trial.

If exonerated, Yarris will be the first person on Pennsylvania's death row to be cleared by DNA testing.

Yarris was convicted in 1982 and sentenced to death for the rape and murder of Linda Mae Craig. Last week tests revealed that DNA samples taken from Yarris did not match genetic material found under the victim's fingernails, undergarments and on gloves possibly worn by the killer.

For two decades, Yarris has maintained that he was wrongfully accused of killing Craig, 32, whose body was found in her parked car not far from her home.