A Wallin & Klarich client who was accused of first-degree murder in Victorville has been released from custody after charges were dismissed.
TUSTIN, Calif. - A Wallin & Klarich client facing 25 years to life for allegations of murder was released from custody after his case was dismissed by the District Attorney. The case against our client deteriorated when DNA evidence law enforcement believed had helped them solve a 20-year-old cold case was proven to be unreliable by Wallin & Klarich Criminal Defense Attorney Jonathan Lynn.
Our client was arrested after the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reopened an investigation involving the 1997 murder of a Hesperia woman whose remains were found off Highway 173 in Summit Valley. Law enforcement found DNA samples on the victim’s body that matched our client, who was the victim’s boyfriend at the time.
In order to establish reasonable doubt, Mr. Lynn brought in a forensic science expert to review the evidence. The DNA expert was able to find several untested hair samples on the victim that did not match our client. Additionally, the forensic expert concluded that the DNA matching our client was consistent with someone who was in a relationship with the victim and therefore did not implicate him in the murder.
“Our client consistently denied committing this crime. With the help of our DNA expert and additional lab results, we were able to show the District Attorney that the DNA evidence was inconsistent with our client committing the murder and convince prosecutors to dismiss all charges,” Mr. Lynn said.
Law enforcement plans to re-test the DNA samples found on the victim in an effort to find the actual perpetrator.
Attorney Lynn is an experienced criminal defense attorney at Wallin & Klarich who has successfully represented hundreds of clients. His experience includes case victories involving serious crimes, including sex crimes, child abuse, murder and other felony matters. Attorney Lynn prides himself on providing high-quality legal representation and aggressive advocacy for his clients.
About Wallin & Klarich, A Law Corporation
Wallin & Klarich, A Law Corporation has established itself as a premier criminal defense law firm in southern California by successfully representing individuals and families in their time of legal need since 1981. The firm believes that every person is entitled to the highest quality legal assistance and commits to aggressively defending its clients.
For media inquiries or to request an interview with Mr. Lynn, contact Wallin & Klarich at (714) 730-5300, [email protected] or visit https://www.wklaw.com/
Wallin & Klarich: A Law Corporation
15437 Anacapa Road, Suite 12
Victorville, CA 92392
(760) 245-3045
