The Herald Banner, Greenville, TX

Local News

Discussion

December 13, 2012

More DNA testing set in Woodruff murder case

By BRAD KELLAR Herald-Banner Staff

A state district judge has approved a second round of DNA testing on evidence from a 2005 double homicide near Royse City.

Attorneys representing Brandon Dale Woodruff, convicted of capital murder in the slayings of his parents, had sought the additional testing on items obtained from the murder scene, after the first round of tests failed to rule Woodruff out as the killer.

A hearing was conducted Tuesday in the 354th District Court, after which Judge Richard A. Beacom agreed to allow the tests.

Woodruff is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole after being convicted of capital murder in connection with deaths of his parents, Dennis and Norma Woodruff.

Earlier this year Woodruff’s attorneys sought DNA testing on hairs found in the hand of his mother at the murder scene, claiming the hairs could belong to whomever killed the couple.

But in a second motion seeking DNA testing attorney Gary A. Udashen said, “the hairs in Norma Woodruff’s left hand were tested and shown to belong to her.”

Udashen was now asking for tests on a stain from Norma Woodruff’s shirt, as well as hairs obtained from the victim’s right hand.

“Counsel was previously unaware of the existence of this material,” Udashen wrote. “If DNA testing is conducted and the results show that this material was not attributable to Brandon Woodruff, this will show he is innocent of this offense.”

Prosecutors had previously argued the testing was never performed on the strands because the hairs likely came from the mother’s head.

Woodruff was found guilty by a jury on March 20, 2009 of capital murder involving the stabbing and shooting deaths of his parents.

As the prosecution was not seeking the death penalty, Woodruff received an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole.

Text Only
Local News
Featured Ads
Poll

The last Triple Crown Winner in thoroughbred horse racing in the U.S. was Affirmed in 1978. With Orb's loss in the Preakness there won't be a Triple Crown winner again this year. Will there ever be another Triple Crown winner?

Yes, it's inevitable
No, it's no longer possible
Not sure
     View Results
Facebook
Photos


See more photos and purchase prints here.

AP Video
Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
Must Read
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide