20 Cases In Larimer County To Be Revisited

Larimer County prosecutors have identified 20 contested cases to review in light of Tim Masters' release from prison earlier this year.

District Attorney Larry Abrahamson promised a review of such cases after new DNA testing techniques pointed to another suspect in the 1987 fatal stabbing of Peggy Hettrick.

Masters was convicted of her death in 1999, but in January his conviction was vacated and he was released from prison after a special judge agreed new evidence pointed to another man.

"We certainly are willing to take a look at any process we use and revaluate it," Abrahamson said.

Abrahamson said 20 arson, assault and homicide cases have been selected for further review, which will include the arrest affidavits. He declined to name the people convicted in those cases.

The criteria for selecting the cases: a jury conviction, a subsequent appeal and an ongoing, lengthy prison sentence.

The Coloradoan