Our infamous Utahn for the month of June and episode 161, is not as well known as maybe a Ted Bundy or a Mark Hofman. However, Douglas Carter’s case has recently come back into the spotlight with his appeals process and new evidence.

We couldn’t find a lot of personal history in Douglas Carter. What we know is he was born in Chicago and made his way to Utah. In 1985 he was accused of committing the heinous crime of murdering Eva Olesen in Provo, Utah. Carter was convicted and put on death row after two witnesses claimed that he bragged to them about how Olesen was murdered. However, these witnesses disappeared for almost 20 years right before they were supposed to testify and right after his conviction! Not fishy, right?

Fast forward to March of 2019, yes just a couple months ago, and the news of a new appeal being fast tracked for Carter comes to light. Although he does already have a high spot in the appeals process, new information regarding the disappearing witnesses has now sparked interest for the 4th district court to review new evidence. Evidence? Did you know that Carter’s DNA was never found at the scene. There was physically no evidence tying him to the death of Eva. The murder happened in February and he wasn’t even suspect until April when his wife though her gun could have been the one used in the murder.

What is this new evidence? It is being reported that the Tovar’s who said that Carter told them what he did, was actually bribed by the Provo police department. With pay-off’s, Christmas gifts, rent being paid, etc. There is no new date set yet.

We have an ongoing conversation about the death penalty. What if Douglas really didn’t do it and he is put to death? What if he wins the appeals process and is put back into society? Can a person who has been in prison for 35+ years become a functioning member of society? Listen below to our conversation about Mr. Carter.

Music By: Folk Hogan; Bootleggers Dance