Thomas Haynesworth has been maintaining his innocence of a 1984 rape for nearly 25 years, and now it appears DNA may prove his case.

DNA tests conducted on evidence preserved from the crime scene failed to match Haynesworth's genetic profile.  Instead, the testing matched the profile of Leon W. Davis, a known serial rapist currently serving seven life terms.  Armed with this information, Haynesworth and attorneys from the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project (MAIP) have filed a writ of actual innocence with the Virginia Supreme Court.  If granted, it would mark the first time the Supreme Court granted such a petition since they were first allowed in 2001.

Haynesworth's petition is being backed by Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Michael Herring, who filed a letter stating his support.  The Virginia Attorneys General office has promised to respond as quickly as possible.

If granted, the petition does not mean Haynesworth will be released from jail, as he is also serving a sentence for a second rape that occurred less than a month later.  Haynesworth maintains his innocence of both crimes, and believes Davis is responsible for the second rape as well.  Though there is no DNA evidence available in the second case, MAIP is investigating.

To read more about Thomas Haynesworth's case and the retesting project that led to the discovery of this evidence, please click here.

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