New DNA technology may hold the key to potentially overturning the conviction of Chester Weger. He spent 60 years behind bars in connection with the infamous Starved Rock Murders.

 Weger's attorney Andy Hale claims that advanced genetic genealogical testing could provide the evidence needed to exonerate the 84-year-old and potentially result in a record-breaking $120 million payout. If successful it would be the longest-ever wrongful conviction in America.

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The Backstory

Chester Weger was released from prison in February 2020 after serving six decades for his alleged involvement in the Starved Rock Murders. 

Despite being described as a model prisoner, Weger was never given parole.

The murders of Lillian Oetting, 50, Frances Murphy, 47, and Mildred Linquist, 50, in 1960 at the Starved Rock National Park in Illinois shocked the nation.

 Weger was convicted only for the killing of Lillian Oetting.

Hale expressed disbelief at the numerous inconsistencies he found in the case, emphasizing that Weger, who was 21 at the time of the killings, is "100%" innocent. 

The attorney has been meticulously scrutinizing the original police investigation and subsequent discoveries, highlighting discrepancies and raising doubts.

New Hope with DNA Technology

Hale revealed that cutting-edge genetic genealogical testing developed by the Othram lab in Texas could be the breakthrough needed to clear Weger's name definitively. 

This new technology, previously instrumental in the Bryan Kohberger Idaho murder case, is now focused on examining a strand of hair found at the crime scene. The hope is that this DNA testing will either confirm or refute Weger's involvement in the murders.

Previous tests ruled out Weger as the source of a strand of hair found at the crime. This was the only physical evidence the killer left behind a single strand of male hair.

Genetic genealogy may provide crucial details leading investigators to a new suspect. 

Hale anticipates receiving results from the lab by the end of the year, bringing them one step closer to solving a case he describes as a "crime of vengeance."

Documented Injustices

Despite numerous attempts over the years, Weger has failed to prove his innocence. 

Hale contends that the court's acceptance of Weger's alleged actions, including the improbable removal of three bodies without a trace of blood on his jacket, is implausible. 

He also cites the murder weapon, a log not native to the park, and witness testimonies indicating the involvement of other parties.

The HBO documentary, "Murders at Starved Rock," produced by Mark Wahlberg's production company, brought renewed attention to the case in 2021. 

The documentary portrayed the 1960s cops as corrupt and implicated in a reportedly violent 24-hour interrogation of Weger. 

David Raccuglia, leading the investigation in the documentary, raised serious questions about his late father's role as the assistant state’s attorney in Weger's conviction.

Potential Payout

The legal journey to clear Weger's name faces challenges. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow is receiving criticism for allegedly failing to thoroughly examine evidence. 

If Weger is exonerated, it could mark the longest wrongful conviction in U.S. history, leading to a potential $120 million payout based on standard compensation practices.

The convergence of advanced DNA technology and renewed investigative efforts may finally bring closure to the Chester Weger case. If he is innocent the real killer may be identified. And one of America's most haunting criminal mysteries may finally be solved.