This case is the first time in California history that genetic genealogy has led to an exoneration and the arrest of a new suspect.

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — In 1985, Jane Hylton was found dead with stab wounds and a bite mark on her shoulder.

That bite mark, with the aide of new DNA technology, led to the exoneration of one man who spent 15 years in prison for murder, and the arrest of another man likely facing those same charges.



Michael Green, 51, was arrested Feb. 11, in connection to Hylton's death.

Green was a teen at the time of Hylton's death, and, because of that, the El Dorado County District Attorney's office is starting this case in juvenile court, thought it could get moved to criminal court next month.

Green's attorney would not comment on the case.

The case is the first time in California history that genetic genealogy has led to an exoneration and the arrest of a new suspect.

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El Dorado County Judge Kenneth J. Melikian, who did not allow cameras into the court room, set a March 20 court date to further discuss moving his case to criminal court and out of juvenile court.

El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson said Green's arrest is a vital part of finding closure in the decades old case, especially for Hylton's daughter, Autumn, and the man wrongfully convicted.

"My office has a responsibility," Pierson said. "Although I was not the D.A. at the time — I wasn't even in the office at the time — but it's still my responsibility to right the wrong that happened to Ricky Davis and Autumn and the other participants."

Some of Green's family and friends were in attendance saying they loved him, telling him to "keep his head up." The family did not want to speak on camera.

Follow the conversation on Facebook with Monica Coleman.

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