Correcting the record

I am writing to correct a mistake in the Oct. 3 story about the prosecution of Thomas D. Evans Jr. for the murder of Woody Ervin.

You incorrectly reported that I said the case "remains open" and that there are "no new leads."

I said no such thing.

We prosecuted Thomas D. Evans Jr. for this murder. He confessed to two very excellent officers that he was the shooter. DNA proved that the victim's blood splatter was on his shoes. His DNA was also found on the key he dropped in the victim's car. The jury felt this was not enough. The Major Case Squad and I do.

The right person was prosecuted. Since he was acquitted, Double Jeopardy prevents him from being charged again.

The case is closed.

H. MORLEY SWINGLE, prosecuting attorney,

Cape Girardeau