By Associated Press - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island jury has acquitted a Wisconsin man of sexually assaulting a woman after authorities said a DNA sample linked him to the 1999 rape.

The Providence Journal reports (https://bit.ly/2nDeEh3 ) a Newport jury acquitted 49-year-old Leonard Murphy, of Watertown, Wisconsin, last month. He was indicted on rape charges in 2015.

Authorities alleged Murphy raped a woman in Newport in July 1999. The victim went to Newport Hospital, where a DNA sample was collected for a sexual assault evidence kit.

Authorities were notified in March 2015 that the sample was matched to Murphy, who was required to provide a DNA sample after being arrested on drug charges in Wisconsin.

Murphy’s lawyer credited police with storing the evidence that led to Murphy’s acquittal. Prosecutors say they were disappointed by the verdict.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, https://www.providencejournal.com

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