FULTON COUNTY GRAND JURY TO MAKE A PUBLIC PRESENTMENT

Grand Jurors To Make Recommendations To Expand DNA Testing at Friday News Conference

The Fulton County Grand Jury—whose two-month term expires Friday—will announce recommendations to expand the category of persons in the criminal-justice system who are required to submit to DNA testing. Because of their involvement with cases in which DNA evidence led to indictment, and their awareness of cases in which it proved exculpatory—e.g. the Willie Otis Williams case—the grand jurors notified District Attorney Paul Howard of their wish to issue a letter of presentment.

Under Georgia law, grand juries—which decide whether persons will be indicted, that is, charged with felony crimes—may also issue reports to Superior Court addressing specific topics or concerns. These reports are called general presentments. The Fulton County grand jury which was sworn in for January and February has indicated its desire to issue such a presentment.

The grand jurors will make public the details of the presentment tomorrow, Friday, March 2, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor grand jury room at the Fulton (Lewis Slaton) County Courthouse.

WHO: Fulton County Grand Jurors

WHAT: General Presentment

WHEN: Friday, March 2, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Fulton County Courthouse

136 Pryor Street, SW, 3rd Floor

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404.730.6860 (office); 770.597.6963 (cell); lyn.vaughn@co.fulton.ga.us