New DNA evidence leads to a retrial order for a condemned Alabama prisoner.

In a significant turn of events, a 56-year-old Alabama death row inmate, Christopher Barbour, has been ordered a new trial due to recent forensic testing and the violation of his constitutional rights.

Back in 1992, Barbour was convicted for the murder of Thelma Bishop Roberts. He initially confessed to helping another man rape Roberts before killing her, but later recanted, claiming coercion by police.

The new trial is the result of Barbour challenging his conviction in a civil case. Judge Emily C. Marks has given the state 90 days to prepare for the new trial, providing Barbour with a chance to argue his innocence before a new jury.

The new forensic testing reveals that the semen found on the victim's body does not belong to Barbour or the man Barbour implicated in his initial confession. This discovery, along with the state's use of false evidence, led to a finding that the state violated Barbour's constitutional right to due process under the 14th Amendment.

According to Judge Marks' ruling, the prosecution knowingly withheld bench notes from the initial forensics report that excluded Barbour and the man he implicated as the source of the DNA. Furthermore, a former detective is alleged to have physically assaulted Barbour to precipitate a confession.

The spokesman for Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall declined to comment on the specifics of the case, but stated that the state plans to appeal Judge Marks' decision.

For more information, please contact Alex Jobin, the reporter assigned to this case. It's important to note that as of now, there is no information available about the name of the man currently arrested in connection with the Christopher Barbour case or suspected of being the source of DNA on the victim's body.

This development in the Christopher Barbour case underscores the importance of upholding due process and the integrity of the judicial system. As the new trial approaches, all parties involved will be eagerly awaiting the outcome.