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A man charged with the 1980 murder of a Woods Cross woman turned himself into the Davis County Jail today.
Davis County prosecutors refiled the murder charge last week and a warrant was put out for his arrest.
Michael Studebaker, Owens' defense attorney, said, "We need to turn Ed Owens in. You guys have a no-bail warrant out for his arrest right now." And just like that, 57-year-old Ed Owens is behind bars again.
He's charged with the murder of 25-year-old Karin Strom. Prosecutors charged Owens last year, but the case was dismissed in December 2007 because of weak DNA evidence.
Now police believe there's new DNA evidence that could convict Owens. Owens said, "I knew nothing about it, and what was it, late Thursday afternoon, I got a phone call from my daughter that told me about it."
The arrest warrant was issued last Wednesday. Prosecutors resubmitted clothing to the Utah State Crime Lab for additional DNA testing. Their report was issued showing that blood from the defendant was found on Strom's clothing. Studebaker said, "I can guarantee after talking to Ed, it's not the most joyful day of his life. I was talking to him. I said, ‘We gotta quit meeting like this.' It's disappointing and frustrating."
Owens said, "[I] didn't think they'd want to refile charge again but, evidently, they want to try it again. Well, I thought I was moving on. Evidently, I'm not."
The Davis County Attorney wouldn't comment on camera about Owens' case. He said his office is pleased that Owens turned himself in.
An initial appearance has been scheduled for Wednesday at the Davis County Justice Center. In court, they'll set a bond amount and schedule the next hearing.
E-mail: ngonzales @ksl.com
