Steven Harrington and Shane Davis's brutal attack on a Denver couple in 1993 led to their life imprisonment, but one of them sought to challenge the conviction through modern DNA testing.

According to 10TV, DNA testing requested by Harrington to prove his innocence in Tom Hollar's murder instead confirmed his guilt, with genetic evidence from a hair sample and T-shirt matching his profile.

The case stems from a horrific incident on July 23, 1993, when two assailants ambushed Tom and Christine Hollar outside their Denver residence.

After fatally shooting Tom, the attackers kidnapped Christine in the couple's vehicle, subjected her to a savage beating, and left her for dead.

Hair Evidence Controversy Leads to Case Review

Harrington's conviction was among 51 Colorado cases between 1976 and 1995 that relied partially on hair microscopy, a forensic technique later discredited and abandoned by the FBI in 1999. This controversial practice involved analysts comparing crime scene hair samples with suspect samples under a microscope to determine the likelihood of a match.

During the 1994 trial, CBI analyst Mool Verma testified about finding hair on a white T-shirt near the Hollars' abandoned car. Verma concluded there was a high probability the hair belonged to Harrington. Additional evidence included eyewitness accounts and a coin purse containing Davis's nickname found in the victims' car.

The Korey Wise Innocence Project at the University of Colorado Boulder partnered with CBI to review these cases, advocating for post-conviction DNA testing as a standard practice to verify justice was served.

Modern DNA Technology Confirms Original Verdict

Harrington, who dismissed the hair evidence as "bulls---" in a Marshall Project video, expressed confidence that new testing would exonerate him.

Attorney Jud Lohnes from the innocence project emphasized the importance of DNA testing, stating:

The cost of DNA testing is extremely low compared to the cost of not doing DNA testing. The real cost is an innocent person in prison.

However, advanced DNA analysis revealed markers from both the hair and three locations on the T-shirt matched Harrington's genetic profile. Former prosecutor Craig Silverman, who maintained contact with Christine Hollar, shared her relief at the results.

Confession Brings Additional Closure

While Davis's conviction wasn't reviewed due to lack of hair evidence, he wrote a confession letter to Silverman in August 2018. Despite an online petition claiming his innocence, Davis admitted guilt and sought forgiveness in his correspondence.

Christine Hollar relocated from Colorado after the trial, eventually remarrying and starting a family. Silverman described his initial meeting with the injured widow as breathtaking, highlighting the profound impact of the crime on her life.

Final Resolution After Three Decades

The brutal 1993 attack on Tom and Christine Hollar that shocked Denver has reached a definitive conclusion through modern DNA testing.

Steven Harrington's attempt to challenge his conviction using advanced genetic analysis instead confirmed his guilt in the murder of Tom Hollar and assault on Christine Hollar.

Both Harrington and Shane Davis remain in state prison, serving life sentences without parole, with Davis's written confession and Harrington's DNA evidence providing final confirmation of their roles in the heinous crime that forever changed the Hollar family.

Why This Story Matters

This particular case underlines the critical interaction between crime, justice, and scientific advancement. It reflects on both the era's challenges in forensic science and the evolving nature of evidence testing, which is crucial for upholding justice.

Moreover, it highlights the enduring trauma of crime victims and the societal importance of supporting those impacted. Finally, it stresses the importance of truth in the legal process, affecting not just the accused and the victim but the broader community.

In closing, while the 1993 murder of Tom Hollar and the assault on Christine Hollar were a tragic event, renewed scientific scrutiny through DNA testing has not only confirmed Steven Harrington’s involvement but also reinforced the value of persistent judicial and scientific inquiry in ensuring justice prevails.