Rape convictions overturned on basis of DNA evidence

SAVANNAH - The convictions of two men accused of raping a Savannah woman 15 years ago have been overturned on the basis of DNA test results. <br> <br> Superior Court Judge Michael Karpf of Chatham County granted motions for a new trial Wednesday, saying the new evidence would likely produce a different verdict. <br> <br> Samuel Scott and Douglas Echols asked for a new trial after DNA tests showed their blood samples did not match the sperm prosecutors used as evidence in the 1986 rape. Scott spent a third of his life in prison after being convicted of rape and kidnapping. Echols served four years for the same crime. <br> <br> The tests were arranged by the Innocence Project, an organization whose work has helped reverse the convictions of dozens of defendants nationwide. Among them was Calvin Johnson of Clayton County, who served 16 years for rape and burglary. <br> <br> Echols&#39; lawyer, Chris Adams, said he is convinced the two men are innocent. ``As we said in the past, the results were clear.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Echols, 42, was paroled in 1991 after serving four years of his 15-year sentence. Scott, 46, was paroled Sept. 24 after 15 years in prison, but his parole was recently revoked. <br> <br> Karpf said Scott must be released from prison immediately, but he said he ``flatly disagrees with defendants that the new evidence exonerates them of the crimes charged.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The judge said if one of the assailants used a condom and the sperm came from the victim having consensual sex with another man, ``the DNA analysis of sperm recovered from the victim is worthless.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Both men were ordered to return to court Aug. 26 for the possible scheduling of a new trial.