This afternoon, the circuit court denied Jim Duckett access to the underlying DNA data from recent testing, even though the State’s own testing was inconclusive.
The State should not get to block further analysis because it fears what the evidence might show.
Here’s what happened:
- The DNA testing did not produce a definitive result
- The State admitted a more advanced lab could get a clearer answer
- Jim’s legal team asked for access to the existing data so a qualified lab could analyze it
The court said no and went further, claiming that even if the results were questioned, it wouldn’t matter:
But that ignores the reality: the testing in this case did not answer the question.
We know how little time there is once a warrant is signed. We know how often critical questions go unanswered because the process moves too fast. And now, in Jim Duckett’s case, the court has chosen to leave those questions unanswered.
Jim Duckett has maintained his innocence for more than 40 years. And now, instead of making sure the evidence is fully understood, the State is moving forward without a definitive answer while blocking any effort to get one.
As his attorney Beth Wells put it, this is about one thing: the truth.
Take Action Now:
- Sign the petition and demand that Florida allow full access to the DNA evidence before it’s too late.
- Send Governor DeSantis a message urging him to withdraw Jim Duckett’s death warrant so that the DNA evidence can be meaningfully evaluated.
Onward,
The FADP Team
P.S. Chadwick Willacy is scheduled to be executed on April 21 at 6 pm and James Hitchcock is scheduled to be executed on April 30 at 6 pm. Please take action for both of them.