DNA experts cast doubt on murder

Friday 24 April 2009

Two American experts on DNA have cast doubt on the evidence which led to the conviction of financial advisor Ernst Louwes for murdering the widow Jacqueline Wittenberg, the AD reports on Friday.

Louwes was released from jail on Wednesday after serving eight years in jail for the murder, which he has always denied.

Louwes was largely convicted on the basis of trace evidence found on the widow's blouse. Dutch forensic scientists from the NFI say the DNA transferred to her clothing during the murder.

But the US experts say there is strong evidence the DNA, found in a small amount of saliva, did not come from the murder. And Dan Krane and Jason Gilder said at a news conference on Thursday that Dutch scientists had used far less DNA than recommended to carry out the tests.

Louwes hopes their findings, which are included in a new book on the murder, will help persuade the high court to reopen the case. He has said he will not rest until he has proved his innocence.

© DutchNews.nl

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