DNA prompts court to overturn conviction in Hernando death

BROOKSVILLE Newly discovered DNA evidence persuaded the Supreme Court of Florida to overturn the conviction of death-row inmate Paul Christopher Hildwin on Thursday.

The Supreme Court remanded the case to the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Hernando County.

In 1986, a Hernando County jury found Hildwin guilty of the strangulation murder of 42-year-old Vronzettie Cox, whose naked body was found in the trunk of her car the previous year. Cox had also been raped.

A majority of the state Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that DNA evidence found on Coxs underwear and a wash cloth belonged to Coxs ex-boyfriend, William Haverty, currently serving a 20-year sentence in Florida on child sex-abuse charges.

In its conclusion, justices on the majority said that circumstantial evidence against Hildwin has been entirely discredited and scientific evidence against him was unreliable.

Justices Charles T. Canady cast a dissenting opinion with which Justice Ricky Polston agreed.

The newly-discovered evidence identifying the donor of the DNA left on (items at the crime scene) changes the entire character of the case originally presented to the jury, the Supreme Court said in concluding statements.

The state Attorney Generals Office has 15 days to file for a rehearing with the Supreme Court, said Martin McClain, Hildwins attorney.

They usually dont grant rehearings, McClain said of the state Supreme Court.

If the Supreme Court declines a rehearing, the case will go to Circuit Court.

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DNA prompts court to overturn conviction in Hernando death