D.A. cleared for delaying DNA testing

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AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- The Texas State Bar has ruled a county prosecutor did not violate ethics rules when he denied DNA testing to a man who was later cleared of killing his wife.

Williamson County District Attorney John Bradley released the decision Tuesday, The Austin (Texas) American-Statesman reported. He was notified of the decision Dec. 28.

Michael Morton, who was released from prison in October after 25 years, charged that Bradley's refusal of DNA testing kept him in prison for six more years. Morton's lawyers also charged that Bradley was trying to cover up misconduct by a predecessor who was responsible for Morton's 1987 conviction.

Julie Oliver, executive director of the Texas Coalition on Lawyer Accountability, said the group plans to appeal.

Complaints have also been filed against Ken Anderson, a judge who was Williamson County district attorney in 1987, and Mike Davis, who was an assistant district attorney. Critics say Anderson's handling of the case not only led to the conviction of an innocent man but allowed the real killer to go free. The man now charged with killing Christine Morton is also suspected of a similar homicide two years later in Austin.