A recent development in a decades-old murder case has led to a mistrial after revelations about potential evidence contamination emerged. The case involves the tragic death of 11-year-old Kathleen Flynn in 1986, who was reportedly placed in a reused body bag, raising significant concerns over the integrity of the evidence.
Marc Karun, now 60, was on trial for murder and kidnapping in connection with Flynn’s death. The sixth grader was attacked while walking home from her school in Norwalk, Connecticut. Karun, who previously lived in Norwalk, was arrested in 2019 at his residence in Stetson, Maine.
The trial took a dramatic turn when prosecutors revealed an email from retired Norwalk police lieutenant Robert Fabrizzio. He reported that a state crime lab official, shortly after Flynn’s murder, informed him that a used body bag had been employed. This information was attributed to Henry Lee, a renowned forensic scientist known for his involvement in the O.J. Simpson case, who led the crime lab at the time. Lee passed away last month at the age of 87.
Due to these revelations, Judge John Blawie declared a mistrial, citing concerns about the evidence’s credibility. Despite the mistrial, he refused to dismiss the case entirely.
State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek expressed disappointment, particularly for Flynn’s family, who have waited decades for justice. He stated that efforts would be undertaken with the state crime lab and medical examiner’s office to validate Fabrizzio’s claims.
Rick Green, spokesperson for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, mentioned that the claim about the body bag was unexpected for crime lab officials. He asserted that the lab’s forensic scientists stand by their court testimonies.
Karun’s attorney, Francis O’Reilly, chose not to comment on the recent developments. Karun remains in custody, held on a $5 million bond. Previously, he was convicted of sexual assault or kidnapping involving other female victims in the 1980s and served approximately a decade in prison.
Authorities connected Karun to Flynn’s murder through advancements in DNA technology. A forensic lab official testified that DNA evidence from Flynn’s fingernails was 22,000 times more likely to belong to Flynn and Karun than to Flynn and any other individual, according to Hearst Connecticut Media.
Following Karun’s arrest, authorities discovered nearly 90 firearms at his Maine home, despite his status as a convicted felon, which prohibited firearm possession. In 2024, Karun pleaded guilty to federal gun charges, and he awaits sentencing in July, as indicated by federal court records.
