As long ago as August 2016, it seems that Willie Manning and the State were “attempting to reach an agreement on how to proceed with developing a DNA profile from hairs that were used at Mr. Manning’s trial.”

A new Mississippi Supreme Court letter suggests that agreement has been difficult to reach:
“The previous status update had advised that the type of DNA testing had been worked out, but the specific hairs to be analyzed had not been agreed upon.”

The hair testimony given by an FBI agent at Willie’s trial was afforded great significance by the prosecution. It became important again when the FBI admitted that the testimony had been flawed.

Perhaps it is the very significance of the hair evidence that now makes agreement more difficult.

We trust that Willie remains strong, despite the delays. We trust he will not have to wait long for good news.