Few have enough information about the Dennis Dechaine case to make an intelligent decision as to guilt or innocence. However, if this evidence-deprived injustice continues, this case will forever stand out as an indictment of the system.

The best way to avoid an injustice during prosecution is for prosecutors to present the whole truth to jurors. Witnesses swear before testimony to present the whole truth. Prosecutors should be held to the same standard, even if the truth casts doubt over their efforts to gain or maintain a conviction. Unlike Grand Jury indictments, where prosecutors are not required to present evidence showing a person’s innocence, a trial should be held to a higher standard.

The Dechaine prosecutor is quoted as saying another male’s DNA, other than Dechaine’s on the thumbnail, proves nothing to them. But to a juror, the results of, and the handling of the evidence would show the following: (a) The DNA is not Dechaine’s; (b) The DNA is from another male; and (c) The evidence was processed with nai?vete? and was handled in a carefree manner.

From there, it is reasonable to assume that perhaps, just maybe, the handling of all important DNA was not the only bungled part of the investigation. Now you have the seeds of reasonable doubt planted. Game on. The prosecution with all of its confidence can work to erase that doubt, while the defense works to grow it into a meaningful deliberation issue.

Folks, this is how justice gets served. Each side presents the whole truth as they know it and jurors decide. I think it is time that Dechaine be given a new trial. The integrity of the system that is supposed to rightfully convict or acquit deserves better than this case has called into question.

Kaile Warren

Windham