Defense: DNA clears man of murder, rape
WEST PALM BEACH (AP) – Anthony Caravella may have already been executed if prosecutors had won a death sentence – instead, he will soon walk out of prison after new DNA tests raised questions about his guilt in a rape and murder 26 years ago.
Caravella, who is mentally disabled and now 41, was convicted of the 1983 crime in Miramar and sentenced to life in prison. He was 15 at the time. His attorneys now say new DNA tests on material collected from the victim came from an unidentified male and female, not Caravella.
Prosecutors are supporting Caravella’s temporary release while they investigate, but say questions still remain.
“It is premature to say that we are convinced that Mr. Caravella was not involved,” said Ron Ishoy, spokesman for the Broward State Attorney’s Office. Meanwhile, a judge ordered him freed on Tuesday.
However, he remained held Wednesday. The state must first determine whether Caravella, who has an IQ of 67, meets the criteria for civil commitment, despite the new evidence, said public defender Diane Cuddihy.
“He’s very nervous. He’s a kid that’s been in prison for 26 years for something he didn’t do,” Cuddihy said. “Right now he’s very nervous about getting out, making sure he’s not dreaming.”
Ada Cox Jankowski, 58, was found dead in 1983 near a Miramar elementary school. She was raped, strangled and stabbed.
Caravella was arrested on an unrelated charge soon after, and he confessed to the murder in contradictory statements to police, Cuddihy said.
At his sentencing, Circuit Judge Arthur J. Franza scolded Caravella.
“I’ll tell you this, Anthony: If the jury had recommended death, I would have had you electrocuted,” the judge said, according to The Miami Herald.