Kevin Cooper's Execution Delayed For DNA Testing

Death-Row Inmate's Execution Delayed For DNA Testing
Man Claims Previous Tests Tainted, Incomplete

June 5, 2004

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Death-row inmate Kevin Cooper won a round in his
battle to avoid execution when a federal judge ordered DNA tests on hairs
found on two of the four people he was convicted of killing in 1983.

U.S. District Judge Marilyn Huff ordered Friday that the tests be done next
week by an independent lab in Pennsylvania.

Cooper was convicted in 1985 of killing Douglas and Peggy Ryen, their
10-year-old daughter, Jessica, and 11-year-old family friend Christopher
Hughes, who was attending a sleepover at the Ryens' Chino Hills home.

Joshua Ryen, 8, had his throat cut but survived.

Prosecutors said Cooper attacked the family with a butcher knife and hatchet.

Cooper maintains that DNA evidence linking him to the slayings was tainted
and tests were incomplete. During nearly 20 years of appeals, his case has
won the support of such people as actor Denzel Washington and civil rights
activist Jesse Jackson.

He was eight hours away from being executed last February when the U.S. 9th
Circuit Court of Appeals granted him a stay and ordered the lower court to
determine if additional testing of evidence was warranted.

Among the hairs to be tested are two that were found on Douglas Ryen's hand
and one on Christopher's arm.

Patel also ordered that hairs found in the hands of Jessica Ryen be
examined to determine whether they are suitable for DNA testing. Defense
attorneys have argued that those hairs are particularly important because
they say they are blond, indicating she was trying to fight of a
blond-haired attacker. Cooper is black.

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material
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Stefanie L. Faucher
Program Director

Death Penalty Focus
870 Market St. Ste. 859
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel. 415-243-0143
Fax 415-243-0994
stefanie [at] deathpenalty.org
http://www.deathpenalty.org
http://www.californiamoratorium.org