The Darlie Routler murder case - Research Paper Example

The death of her sons happened on the night of June 6, 1996. However, several loopholes are evident in the case history that might help Darlie in getting justice. These include murder weapon not traceable, crime scene being tempered badly before securing the place, motive could not be established, among others. However, police investigators argued that Darlie had self-inflicted stab wounds, while she wanted to get rid of her sons, as they did not like her lifestyle. Darlie had a new hope, as Texas Court of Criminal Appeals gave a ruling in June, 2008 for conducting new DNA tests, which could prove her claim of an intruder responsible for the double murder.

The new DNA technology may throw fresh light on the evidences that relate to analysis of bloodstains on her nightshirt and socks of the boys. Introduction The case of Darlie Routier is intriguing in many ways, as investigators and prosecutors have not paid heed to the defense pleas for tracing of the missing murder weapon, which is supposed to be knife from the kitchen of Darlie. Although she was convicted for killing her two sons, based on the financial problems her family was facing, Darlie has petitioned before the Texas Criminal Court for retesting of blood samples using the latest DNA technology.

The petition of appeals has requested the court to test the bloodstains from tube sock found in the alley, which was not tested earlier. Similarly, investigators had not tested other possible evidence earlier. These included bloodstains on the nightshirt worn by Darlie, blood swabs present on the butcher’s knife in the kitchen of Darlie. While prosecutors had assumed it to be the murder weapon, the testing was not done on this evidence earlier. In addition, there are many loopholes in this case, which may need further investigation, as the court has agreed for DNA retesting.

(Direct appeal, 2008) Further to the above, The Texas Criminal Court has laid down, in its order of 13 April 2012, the exact procedure to be followed for conducting the new DNA tests at the Department of Public Safety Laboratory in Austin, Texas.(Order, 2012) Case Summery and Overview In the absence of any established motive and eyewitness, the case remains a mystery. This is further complicated by the fact that Darlie has continuously denied the charge. However, the fifteen-second “Silly String” tape, as recorded by a local news station could not establish her innocence.

Media had accused Darlie of using sex toys, taking drugs and child abuse. Nevertheless, no evidence could be established to prove these charges. While State prosecutors found it easier to present such arguments to the jury, family and friends describe Darlie as a compassionate female, who cares for her family and others. (The Darlie Routier Case, nd) Prosecution may not be right The police investigation has been doubtful. While only 400 out of total 1000 photos taken from the crime scene were allowed for examination by the defense, the remaining 600 photos had evidence of trampled blood and tempered blood stained items like blankets.

There are blood fingerprints of the alleged intruder at the exit along with blood prints on boots that did not belong to any police person. In addition, a sock having a boy’s blood print was found 75 yards away from the home of Darlie. The answer to the question of sock reaching