Controversy
An autopsy performed determined that Ludlam had been dead for 5 days when found. This finding would eliminate Felker as a suspect due to his surveillance, however the findings were changed. Later study of the autopsy notes by independent analysis showed that Ludlam had been dead no more than 3 days when found. However, since Ludlam's body was found in running water in late autumn, the exact time of death was difficult to determine.
In September 1996, as a result of an Open Records Act lawsuit, Felker's attorneys received boxes of evidence that had been unlawfully withheld by the prosecution. This included possible DNA samples of the perpetrator and a signed confession made by another suspect who was mentally retarded. The District Attorney in charge denied under oath that such evidence existed and the presiding judge at one of Felker's hearings stated that Felker's right to a fair trial had been severely compromised.
Read more about this topic: Ellis Wayne Felker, History
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