DNA Testing Denied—Justice Denied. We Are Outraged.

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Demanding justice: Calls for DNA testing grow louder as Jamie Snow's case raises concerns over denied evidence.

We are appalled by the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court’s recent decision to deny DNA and fingerprint testing in the 1991 murder case of William Little. This ruling isn’t just a legal setback—it’s a devastating blow to truth, accountability, and basic fairness.

Jamie Snow has steadfastly maintained his innocence since his 2001 conviction, which rested entirely on discredited witness accounts and the testimonies of jailhouse informants—many of whom have since recanted, received plea deals, or testified under duress.

Not a single piece of physical evidence has ever linked Jamie to the crime.

The appeal sought to harness modern forensic science to reexamine key evidence—blood, bullets, fingerprints, and the victim’s clothing. These tests could have revealed the real killer—or at the very least, raised serious questions about Jamie’s guilt. Yet, the court rejected the request, reasoning that any DNA or fingerprint evidence would merely indicate a person's presence at the gas station, not necessarily their involvement in the crime.

This reasoning is both flawed and dangerously dismissive, especially in light of the fact that fingerprints were recovered not only from the front door but also from the cash register—directly tying unknown individuals to the scene of the robbery.

To add insult to injury, the 4th District Court ignored the fact that the lower court had to force the state to turn over nearly 8,000 case documents that had been hidden from Jamie’s trial lawyers—some pointing directly to other possible suspects. It’s hard not to wonder how different things might have been if that evidence had been available before Jamie’s trial.

The state loves to argue, “Twelve jurors heard the evidence and convicted Jamie.” But that’s not the whole truth—not even close. Those jurors never saw the full picture, because key evidence was hidden from Jamie’s defense. And every state’s attorney and judge who’s touched this case knows it. Still, 25 years later, Jamie remains behind a cold, grey wall—watching his children, and now his grandchildren, grow up in photos.

This isn’t justice. It’s a failure—and it’s time to make it right.

It is unconscionable that Jamie’s conviction—achieved without a single piece of physical evidence—continues to stand unchallenged by today’s forensic capabilities. Denying access to such testing not only obstructs the truth but also undermines public trust in our justice system.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with Jamie Snow and his family. We call on the Illinois Supreme Court to intervene and grant the testing that could illuminate the facts and correct a wrongful conviction.

Justice demands the truth. And the truth can’t be found if the system refuses to look.

To learn more about Jamie Snow’s case and how you can support the fight for justice, please visit Free Jamie Snow.