New DNA Evidence Found in Tim Masters Case

By Jeralyn, Section Innocence Cases
Posted on Sun Sep 19, 2010 at 05:24:27 PM EST
Tags: Tim Masters (all tags)

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DNA "touch tests" have produced new evidence in the case of Tim Masters, wrongfully imprisoned for ten years for the murder of Peggy Hettrick. Masters received a $10 million settlement from the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County, Colorado.

Two prosecutors in the case, Terry Gilmore and Jolene Blair, are now district court judges. They were censured by the Colorado Supreme Court for misconduct in failing to comply with proper defense discovery requests and engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. The Blair decision is here and the Gilmore decision is here. They are up for a retention vote in November. [More...]

James Broderick,the lead detective in the case is facing 8 felony counts of perjury and obstruction of justice.

The new DNA test, using technology not previously available, cost $100,000.00. Attorney General John Suthers indicated they are focused on someone other than Masters:

Though his conviction was vacated, Masters has never been exonerated and legally remains a suspect in Hettrick’s death. But in his interview with the Coloradoan, Suthers suggested the investigation now might be focusing on someone other than Masters.

The findings reportedly show DNA evidence on the victim's clothing.

Will Larimer County voters care that two of their judges were censured for their misconduct in the case and vote them out in November?

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New DNA Evidence Found in Tim Masters Case | 5 comments (5 topical)

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What does being censored by (none / 0) (#1)
by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 19, 2010 at 05:49:32 PM EST

the Colorado Supreme Court consist of?

a public statement (none / 0) (#2)
by Jeralyn on Sun Sep 19, 2010 at 05:51:31 PM EST

by the court you did wrong. No other penalties.


Sort of a bummer (none / 0) (#3)
by Militarytracy on Sun Sep 19, 2010 at 05:54:38 PM EST

At least something warning the public at large is out there, pittance though.


: And probably 5%... (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sun Sep 19, 2010 at 06:31:49 PM EST

...of the voting population is or will be aware of it when it comes time to vote for their retention. The censure is even mentioned on the State's Commissions on Judicial Performance website, but who takes the time and effort to read that especially when nobody knows it exists?
Blair Gilmore
It is too bad that the GOP is winning the battle to educate voters on judges with their organized and funded "vote out the judges who don't agree with us" campaigns--as is currently playing out in places like Iowa (Gay marriage).

no doubt that censure (none / 0) (#5)
by cpinva on Mon Sep 20, 2010 at 04:55:15 AM EST

made everything all better for mr. masters. yes, he received 10 mill, for spending 10 years in hell.

note the disparity in punishments:

the two prosecutors get a slap on the wrist, and are now judges.
the detective is facing jail time.

it seems the prosecutors, as the highly educated/compensated, licensed legal professionals, should face a greater punishment, since they have no excuse whatever for their acts.