A decades-old murder case in Norwalk has been thrown into uncertainty after a judge declared a mistrial due to new allegations of possible evidence contamination.
New Claim Sparks Mistrial
The case centers on the 1986 killing of 11-year-old Kathleen Flynn. During the recent trial, prosecutors revealed a newly surfaced claim that Flynn’s body may have been placed in a used body bag—raising concerns about compromised forensic evidence.
The allegation prompted Judge John Blawie to declare a mistrial, citing fairness concerns. However, the judge confirmed the charges against the defendant remain in place.
Details of the Allegation
The claim came from a retired Norwalk police lieutenant, who reported that a state crime lab official had shared the information shortly after the crime occurred.
The official was identified as Henry Lee, a renowned forensic expert known for his work on high-profile cases, including the O. J. Simpson murder case.
Authorities are now working to verify whether the claim is accurate.
Defendant and Case Background
The defendant, Marc Karun, was on trial for murder and kidnapping in connection with Flynn’s death. He was arrested in 2019 decades after the crime, following advances in DNA testing technology.
Prosecutors previously cited forensic evidence linking Karun to the case, including DNA found under the victim’s fingernails.
Karun, who has a prior criminal history involving sexual assault and kidnapping in the 1980s, remains in custody on a $5 million bond.
Prosecutors Respond
State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek said officials are reviewing the new information in coordination with the state crime lab and medical examiner’s office.
“We’re obviously disappointed by this turn of events,” Ferencek said, noting the emotional toll on the victim’s family, who have waited decades for justice.
What Happens Next
While the mistrial delays proceedings, prosecutors have indicated the case is not being dropped.
Investigators will now determine whether the alleged evidence contamination could impact the integrity of the case moving forward.
Long Road to Justice
The case has spanned nearly four decades, with renewed attention brought by modern forensic advancements. The latest development underscores the challenges of prosecuting historic crimes where evidence handling practices are called into question.