Defense Requests New DNA Testing in 1985 Murder Case
Attorneys seek advanced genetic analysis for evidence tied to the 1985 killing of Eva Olesen.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Defense attorneys for Douglas Carter filed a motion on Tuesday requesting a court order for advanced DNA testing in the 1985 murder of Eva Olesen in Provo. The request follows recent findings that Carter's DNA was not present on evidence from the crime scene.
Why it matters
The testing aims to identify the actual perpetrator of the murder, which occurred when the victim was 57. Prosecutors are supporting the move for further analysis while planning to pursue a new trial for Carter without the death penalty.
Defense attorneys have requested Forensic Investigative Genetic and Geologic testing on the murder weapon and a blood sample. Prosecutors now have 14 days to respond to the motion before a court hearing on November 10, 2026.
The players
Douglas Carter
He is a 71-year-old man who spent over four decades on death row for the murder of Eva Olesen.
Eva Olesen
She was the 57-year-old victim whose murder in 1985 remains the subject of a decades-long legal case.
Derek Pullan
He is the judge presiding over the legal motion regarding the request for advanced DNA testing.
Utah Attorney General's Office
This state agency is involved in the legal proceedings and must authorize the release of physical evidence.
The details
The defense is targeting the knife handle used in the murder and a blood sample found outside the back door for profile matching against genetic databases. Carter, now 71, was released from death row to the Utah County Jail in June 2025 after his conviction was overturned due to misconduct.
Timeline
Eva Olesen was murdered in Provo in 1985.
Douglas Carter moved to the Utah County Jail in June 2025.
DNA testing excluded Carter from crime scene evidence in September 2026.
The defense motion for testing was filed on October 27, 2026.
A court hearing is scheduled for November 10, 2026.
Legal Context
This case reflects the broader impact of the post-conviction DNA testing movement on older criminal convictions. The use of advanced genetic markers to re-examine 1985 evidence mirrors national trends where modern technology is increasingly utilized to challenge historical verdicts.
The potential for a new trial and the ongoing search for the killer have drawn significant attention to Provo's legal system. Residents may see increased court activity as the legal process moves toward the scheduled November hearing.
The takeaway
Advancements in forensic genetic testing continue to reshape the outcomes of decades-old murder cases. This case highlights how institutional errors can be uncovered long after a conviction, necessitating rigorous review of historical evidence.
What happens next
A court hearing is scheduled for November 10, 2026, where the motion for advanced DNA testing will be addressed.
Further reading
Find more local legal updates in the Criminal Justice section.
