Monder Law Group - News
Proving Innocence
On June 13, 1996, a murder took place in Idaho Falls, Idaho. A woman by the name Angie Dodge was stabbed multiple times. According to officers, it was a gruesome crime scene. In the mist of this gruesome scene, the perpetrator left some DNA evidence. However, the officers were not able to link the DNA evidence to anyone. The investigators were under the impression that this was a crime of passion. At first, they focused on the victim’s boyfriend, but his alibi checked out. Then, they focused on the victims’ friends. One of which was Benjamin Hobbs. He was charged with sexual assaulting someone at knife point in Nevada. According to investigators, the crime had some similarities to the one in Idaho Falls. The investigators were certain that he was at the crime scene, but they did not have enough evidence to charge him with the crime.
Investigators then started to talk to some of Mr. Hobbs’ friends. One in particular was Christopher Tapp. During the interviews, the investigators asked Mr. Tapp if he was in involved in Angie’s murder. At first, he denied that he had any involvement in the murder of Angie Dodge. However, after intense pressure from law enforcement, Mr. Tapp confessed to the murder. Mr. Tapp and several other people including the Angie’s mother have said that the detectives coerced Mr. Tapp into a confession. Mr. Tapp was later charged and convicted with the murder of Angie Dodge. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The DNA evidence found at the crime scene did not match Mr. Tapp or Mr. Hobbs. Mr. Tapp has consistently maintained his innocence till this day.
Mr. Tapps’ attorney filed a motion to exclude the police confession from evidence. The court heard arguments from both sides and denied the motion. His attorney then filed a Brady petition. In the petition, the defense attorney said that the prosecution withheld evidence that was critical to the defense’s case. There were some statements from witnesses that pointed the finger to another individual and not to Mr. Tapp. The court has yet to make a ruling on the matter. This is a critical moment in the case.
If you have questions about proving your innocence, contact San Diego Criminal Attorney Vik Monder at 619.405.0063 or visit Attorney Proving Innocence