Attorney says death row inmate optimistic about DNA evidence

By JEFF LENNOX

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- The attorney for Paul House, a death row inmate given a new chance by the Supreme Court to prove his innocence, says they're optimistic about their chances.

House's attorney, Steven Kissinger, spoke with 6 News Wednesday about the possibilities the court's 5-3 vote creates.

"Obviously, after hearing the decision we are pleased with what has happened over the past couple of months because over that period of time, the court has carefully considered the evidence Mr. House is innocent. Today, we could not be happier," Kissinger says.

It's the first time a death row inmate has brought DNA evidence before the high court to prove his innocence. 6 News attended the arguments before the Supreme Court in January.

House was on parole for a Utah sex offense at the time he was convicted and sentenced to death in the murder of Carolyn Muncey, who lived near him in rural Luttrell, about 25 miles north of Knoxville, in 1985.

House has been on Tennessee's death row for 20 years. No one saw the crime happen, and House maintains he did not do it.

In their decision, the nine Supreme Court justices stated that with new DNA evidence, no reasonable juror would vote to convict House.

First, the case will go before a federal district court judge in Knoxville. House's attorney will argue his client did not receive a fair trial in 1985.

If the ruling is in House's favor, a new trial could begin soon after the hearing.

If the ruling goes against House, he can petition Gov. Bredesen for release.