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Illinois Lawyer Seeking Testing For Convicted Client

The lawyer for an Illinois man convicted in the 1991 beating death of his father has requested more time for the review of DNA samples that could lead to exoneration.

Donald Whalen is currently serving a 60-year sentence after he was found guilty of killing his father, William, in a downtown Bloomington bar. Reports indicate defense lawyer Jeff Abbott is looking for a forensic expert who can provide an opinion on the 23-year-old evidence. He's hoping the expert can determine whether a suitable DNA profile can be developed and submitted to a national DNA database for comparison.

Illinois State Police crime lab scientists reported the evidence wasn't suitable for the database. Previous testing of four knives showed DNA from potential sources other than the victim.

Abbott has until Nov. 26 to provide an opinion on the evidence.

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