The New York Times

Friday, December 29, 2000

Execution To Proceed After DNA Test

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- A former truck driver remains on death row after DNA tests failed to clear him of raping and strangling a cocktail waitress.

DNA tests showed hair found on 19-year-old Lori Bruch belonged to Caruthers Alexander, who has been convicted twice for her slaying, the San Antonio Express-News reported Friday.

Prosecutors and Alexander's lawyers agreed to delay the execution in July to conduct DNA tests not previously available.

``We believed we had the right guy. However I believe there shouldn't be a question about people we execute,'' Prosecutor Susan Reed said. ``We should leave no stone unturned.''

Reed said she will seek the earliest execution date possible.

Alexander's attorney, Jeff Pokorak, declined comment.

Alexander, 52, has been on death row since 1982.

Bruch was attacked and killed in 1981 after leaving her job as a club waitress.

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals threw out Alexander's original capital murder conviction, ruling certain testimony improper. Alexander was convicted and sentenced to death again in 1990.