Innocence Project seeks new DNA tests in Salem killing

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Innocence Project is requesting DNA testing and retesting of evidence involving a murder case that led to a man being sentenced to death.

The Statesman Journal reports (http://stjr.nl/2fhNZ7X) that the group filed a motion in Marion County involving the case against 55-year-old Jesse Lee Johnson.

Johnson was sentenced to death in 2004 after being convicted of the 1998 killing of 28-year-old Harriet Lavern “Sunny” Thompson of Salem.

Authorities say Thompson died of multiple stab wounds.

Steven Wax of the Oregon Innocence Project says there’s physical evidence that either wasn’t tested or was tested using outdated technology.

___

Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com