New DNA focus of trial in Conn. teen's '88 killing

HARTFORD, Conn. – A trial has begun for a man accused in the 1988 slaying of a Connecticut teenager that kept another man in prison for 20 years before he was cleared by DNA evidence.

Prosecutors say the new technology does not leave any doubt that Pedro Miranda is the one who raped, beat and strangled 17-year-old Carmen Lopez. She was six months pregnant.

Miranda is charged with capital felony, murder and kidnapping. He has denied the allegations.

Defense lawyer Vicki Hutchinson told the jury in opening statements Tuesday that authorities had it right when they arrested Miguel Roman. Roman served 20 years of a 60-year prison sentence for murder. He was freed in 2008 based on the DNA results.

Miranda is also charged in the 1980s slayings of two other Connecticut teenagers.