Convicted Ex-cop Bank Robber Wants DNA Testing on Disguise Used During Crime

Former Jackson, Mississippi police officer Steve Fasano was convicted of bank robbery, and sentenced to 46 months in prison. The prosecution showed evidence of his fingerprints on the note written by the robber. That seems to be the most incriminating evidence. A Mississippi newspaper written on April 20 goes on to say that Fasano passed a lie detector and has an alibi for why his prints were on the note. Other evidence gathered at the crime included a hard hat, t-shirt, and sunglasses worn by the crook during the robbery. This is where the story gets good.

When asked to perform DNA testing on the evidence, the prosecution said the evidence had been lost. Very convenient. A year after the trial the evidence was found, so now an appeals court will hear arguements to bring DNA testing into evidence.

In a case like Fasano's, where evidence samples will more than likely contain the DNA of the perpetrator, DNA testing should be mandatory. Modern DNA laboratories have the amazing ability to identify an individual by using forensic DNA extraction techniques.

For more information about this case check out Truth in Justice. The hearings to bring in DNA evidence are taking place in July.