st. paul

“The bottom line is that she didn’t handle herself well on the stand,” Torres said.

Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom personally prosecuted Guevara and his office prosecuted Heiges. No-body cases are stronger now because of advances in DNA, and the general public’s understanding of it, Backstrom said. He presented DNA evidence in the Guevara case, but was limited by courtroom protocols at the time and a general lack of knowledge.

“It was a difficult verdict to accept, but I respect the decision that the jury made,” Backstrom said.

Ultimately, prosecutors have to prove the case, with or without a body.

“The initial complaint is the suppositions of law enforcement on the case,” defense attorney Torres said.

Chao Xiong • 612-270-4708

Twitter: @ChaoStrib