LEBANON, Ohio – Release her DNA!
That was the outcry from Ryan Widmer supporters demonstrating outside the Warren County Courthouse on Saturday - 10 years to the day after his wife, Sarah Widmer, drowned in their bathtub.
People waved signs calling for Sarah Widmer's DNA to be released so defense attorneys can test it for a rare genetic disorder that may cause accidental drowning.
With Ryan Widmer in prison for murder, it’s the latest development after three murder trials in a case that has gripped the Tri-State.
"There's a good chance she had this Long QT syndrome,” said Widmer’s brother, Aryan. "Her constant headaches, sleepiness she seemed to have all the time."
Ryan Widmer is appealing for a fourth trial. A decision from a federal judge could come at any time.
READ about the previous trials and why attorneys don't think a fourth trial is likely.
One of the voices Saturday came from a juror from the second trial.
"There's a human life on the line. This is very important,” said Janet Caywood.
Caywood said she believes the outcome of the second trial – a hung jury - could've been different had DNA evidence been released.
She said the jurors had their minds made up before they started deliberating.
“I could tell the majority of the jurors felt like Ryan was guilty. As we deliberated more, and went through more evidence, jurors were on the fence about it," Caywood said.
Widmer’s family holds out hope for a new trial that would acquit him.
"We feel most confident it could be a good possibility it's what she had,” said Ayran Widmer. “Every test we could figure out and run, we would. If everything came back negative, it still wouldn't change my mind on anything."
