New Allegations Lead to Mistrial in Decades-Old Murder Case
In a recent development, the murder trial of Marc Karun, accused of the 1986 rape and murder of 11-year-old Kathleen Flynn in Connecticut, has been declared a mistrial due to new allegations regarding evidence handling. Concerns have emerged over potential evidence contamination involving a used body bag.
Karun, facing charges of murder and kidnapping, was on trial for the attack on Flynn, a sixth-grade student from Norwalk, Connecticut. Karun, now 60, was apprehended in 2019 at his Maine residence, having previously lived in Norwalk. The trial, held in Stamford, Connecticut, was disrupted after prosecutors revealed an email from a retired Norwalk police lieutenant.
The lieutenant, Robert Fabrizzio, in his message, indicated that a state crime lab official informed him shortly after Flynn’s murder that the victim had been placed in a previously used body bag. This revelation raised red flags about possible evidence contamination. Fabrizzio named Henry Lee, the renowned forensic scientist known for his involvement in the O.J. Simpson case, as the source of this information. Lee, who led the crime lab at that time, passed away last month.
On Monday, Judge John Blawie announced a mistrial, citing the need to address these evidence-related concerns. However, he chose not to dismiss the case outright. State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek, responsible for disclosing Fabrizzio’s claims, expressed disappointment, particularly on behalf of Flynn’s family, who have been awaiting justice for nearly four decades.
Ferencek stated that efforts are underway in collaboration with the state crime lab and medical examiner’s office to verify the claims. Rick Green, spokesperson for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, noted that the allegations surprised crime lab officials, who nonetheless stand by their testimony.
Karun remains in custody with a $5 million bond. His attorney, Francis O’Reilly, has chosen not to comment on the ongoing developments. Karun has a history of convictions related to sexual assault and kidnapping from the 1980s, for which he served approximately 10 years in prison.
Advancements in DNA testing played a significant role in Karun’s 2019 arrest, linking him to Flynn’s murder. Testing on Flynn’s fingernail scrapings suggested a high probability that the DNA belonged to both Flynn and Karun. Following Karun’s arrest, authorities discovered nearly 90 firearms at his Maine home, leading to federal gun charges, with sentencing anticipated in July 2024.
