Judge Orders DNA Testing in 1994 Homicide Case

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A state judge has ordered DNA testing on several pieces of evidence collected during the investigation of a 1994 homicide in the Helena area.

Two men serving life sentences for kidnapping and killing Donna Meagher after robbing the Jackson Creek Saloon in Montana City argue they are innocent and DNA testing could prove someone else was responsible.

A legal team for Freddie Joe Lawrence and Paul Jenkins petitioned for the testing in July 2015.

The Montana Innocence Project says District Judge Kathy Seeley ordered the testing last week, but that it could take months to complete.

The Attorney General's office has said it reopened the investigation based on new information that came to light after the petition was filed. Seeley ordered that information to be turned over to attorneys for Lawrence and Jenkins within 60 days.