Update to the Bolin double shooting case: A dispute over DNA evidence is the latest disagreement between prosecutors and attorneys for the accused. The Illinois State Police crime lab is processing DNA evidence, which will likely use up all sample evidence, while defense attorneys have petitioned the court to allow their own expert to oversee the process to make sure it is done correctly. The Illinois State Police have argued against this, noting the risk of contamination of the sterile environment inside their lab.

There is also the issue of allowing a camera inside the lab, as State Police are worried that doing so may pick up confidential information related to other cases. 

There is also the issue of the unnamed minor female involved in the case. Prosecutors are expected, at some point in the near future, to make an argument to charge the minor female as an adult. The defense team is expected to argue strongly against those proceedings for two reasons: if convicted as a minor, Illinois state law provides the opportunity to allow the minor to go free on her 21st birthday, also, the proceedings to charge as an adult include its own discovery process. This process may potentially allow a judge to see any case evidence before the defense team has had time to plan a proper legal defense.

In Other News: after the second recent burglary of the Mackinaw Post Office, 2 juveniles have been taken into custody. The Mackinaw Mail has reached out to the Sheriff’s Office and States Attorney - both declined to comment on charges, ages of the suspects, or whether the suspects are still in custody. Those convicted of mail theft can expect hefty fines and federal imprisonment of up to 5 years.