Group demands DNA testing in '01 case against Kirstin Lobato
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She was convicted of killing a man and mutilating his corpse more than a decade ago, but Monday dozens of people showed up at the District Attorney's office demanding that additional evidence be examined in the case of Kirstin Lobato. Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- She was convicted of killing a man and mutilating his corpse more than a decade ago, but Monday dozens of people showed up at the District Attorney's office demanding that additional evidence be examined in the case of Kirstin Lobato.
The killing happened back in 2001, but supporters for Lobato say there was DNA gathered at the crime scene that was never tested. So they gathered at DA Steve Wolfson's office with a petition demanding that the DNA be examined, with the hopes that Lobato would ultimately be freed.
A crowd of people made their voices heard in front of the Regional Justice Center on Monday morning, carrying signs with their message to Wolfson.
"They did not find any of Kirstin Blaise Lobato's DNA at the scene, and the DNA that was Found at the scene has not been tested," Helen Caddes with Justice4Kirstin said.
Lobato was convicted in 2002. Prosecutors argued that the 19-year-old was on a three-day meth bender when she killed a homeless man then chopped of his genitals.
The group Justice4Kirstin said DNA evidence found near the crime scene was never tested.
"Whether she's guilty or whether she's innocent, DNA doesn't lie, so I don't understand why they won't allow this testing to occur," Caddes said.
Michelle Ravell, a longtime friend of Lobato's, claims the petition she posted online has received more than 125,000 signatures from people wanting to see that evidence examined.
"This isn't just about Kirstin's innocence, it's about finding the real killers," Ravell said.
The crowd marched into the DA's office with Kirstin's father holding the box of signatures. Before he handed them over, he had a message for Steve Wolfson.
"I'd like for the District Attorney to actually take a close look at this. you say you're a man of justice. Well, now y you've got a chance to prove it, and actions speak a lot louder than words," Lorenzo Lobato said.
The petition organizer said 15,000 of the 125,000 signatures gathered were from Nevada residents.
Action News reached out to the DA's office to see if there are any plans to review the petition or examine that DNA, but did not hear back.
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