While the hair and other evidence would be analyzed, the real focus was scrapings from under Tate's fingernails — most likely to be left by the killer. But the scrapings were missing, and not found until last year during a routine audit of evidence. Testing proceeded at that point, but the material was degraded beyond use.

Joyce's office is now opposing Lincoln's motion for release, insisting the hair alone is not enough. Attorneys with the Midwestern Innocence Project, who took up Lincoln's case in 2005, argue otherwise.

St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Robin Vannoy will decide this summer whether Lincoln will be the fifth man in St. Louis — and seventh statewide — exonerated by DNA technology.

It's a glimmer of hope that allows Lincoln, for the first time, to cautiously consider life outside razor-wire fences.

"The best description I can give you is I was in a hole and someone lifted the lid," he said. "It's way up there, but there's light."

A ‘SLAUGHTERHOUSE'

JoAnn Tate's family called her "Jo-Baby." She was 35 and heavyset, with pale skin, brown eyes and jet black hair. She sold Avon cosmetics and played the piano and accordion at nursing homes.