COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) - More witnesses are suggesting the wrong man may be in prison for 31 years for an Iowa girl’s 1986 homicide.
The testimony is a boost for inmate Daniel Harris, who maintains his innocence in the death of 16-year-old Kristina Nelson in Council Bluffs and wants a new trial.
Earlier this year, a man who was at a party with Nelson’s boyfriend on the night she was killed came forward. He reported that Nelson’s boyfriend and friend went to pick up Nelson, returned covered in blood, said they might have killed someone, talked of disposing a body and burnt their overalls in a barrel.
Three other party attendees have now signed affidavits consistent with these claims. One reported seeing Nelson’s boyfriend struggling with a body in the trunk of a car. Another recalled seeing him upset and covered in blood.
Harris offered proof at trial that he worked at Burger King that evening, but was convicted based on an informant’s since-recanted testimony.
Prosecutors oppose any relief for Harris.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.