Commonwealth v. Cadet

Summary

The court held that the defendant made the low preliminary showing required for postconviction handler-DNA testing of two knife handles and a bleach bottle because the testing could produce evidence material to his claim of lawful self-defense. The court rejected arguments requiring the judge to weigh trial evidence, resolve credibility, or demand expert support at the threshold stage. The denial was reversed in part and the case remanded for a hearing at which the defendant must satisfy the greater preponderance-of-the-evidence standard.