E-mail article Print article Subscribe Get e-mail alerts

Published in the Asbury Park Press 09/20/05

MOUNT HOLLY — A lawyer for a man who spent 18 years behind bars for murder before being freed because of new DNA tests said Monday that he intends to find the real killer. Attorney Larry Lustberg said he has a list of potential suspects in the August 1987 rape and murder of Jacqueline Harrison in Pemberton Township.

Lustberg's client, Larry Leroy Peterson, had his conviction thrown out in July because DNA tests could not prove he had anything to do with the slaying. The tests were not enough to convince prosecutors, however, and they are preparing to retry Peterson for murder.

Peterson's lawyers have said that the DNA tests done in the case point to an unidentified man as Harrison's killer.

Lustberg said Monday he would not reveal names of potential suspects, but would pursue getting DNA samples from them.

Jack Smith, a spokesman for the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, said the office would not comment on the case because it is heading to trial.

Peterson, 54, was released from jail on bail last month.

Lustberg hopes to convince prosecutors to drop the charges against Peterson rather than take the case to trial.

E-mail article Print article Subscribe Get e-mail alerts