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An old murder case is headed to trial, again. But the defense attorney says the wrong man is being accused of the crime.
This is the second time in less than a year that Ed Owens has been charged with the murder of Karin Strom. This time, prosecutors believe the charges will stick, even though the defense attorney thinks the wrong guy is going to trial.
Owens was friends with the victim's husband, who took the stand during a hearing this morning. Steve Strom was initially charged with his wife's murder, but the case was dismissed for lack of evidence. The defense attorney questioned Strom about abuse allegations, quoting someone who allegedly heard Strom tell his wife, "If I can't have you, I'll make it so that no one will."
Just before her murder, Strom's wife had moved back into their Woods Cross home after a six-week separation. Strom's DNA was found under the victim's fingernails, but prosecutors say that's not unusual considering they were married and living together. Strom's friends also came to his defense.
Robin Barker said, "Steve's probably one of the mellowest people I've ever known. I trust my kids, my daughters, my grandsons with him."
DNA tests revealed Owens' semen and saliva also were found under Strom's fingernails. Prosecutors charged him with murder last year, but in December a judge dismissed the case for lack of evidence.
But Owens' freedom was short-lived. Prosecutors re-filed the case earlier this month, after Owens' blood was found on the victim's underwear.
The victim's family members say the twists and turns in this case have been difficult, but they still hope for justice.
Coco Saltzgiver said, "My sister did not deserve what happened to her. She was the kindest, sweetest person."
Prosecutors say they have a letter Owens wrote to his wife when he found out this cold case had been reopened. We should hear more about that during the trial.
Owens will enter a plea next month.
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