Independent Report on Christopher Tapp case released
We’re learning more about the investigation of an Idaho Falls murder that happened more than 20 years ago.
The Bonneville County Prosecutor has released an external report on the Christopher Tapp case.
Tapp was convicted to being involved in the murder of Angie Dodge. Dodge was found dead in June 1996.
The new report claims that Tapp witnessed the brutal attack. For years people have questioned whether Tapp actually murdered Dodge.
He confessed to the 1996 murder, but many, including an advocacy group called “Judges for Justice”, believe Idaho Falls Police Department detective coerced him into making a false confession.
Prosecutor Daniel Clark hired S. Robinson and Associates to review and analyze the criminal case appeals, and various post-conviction cases involving Tapp. Robinson, from Twin Falls, is a former Idaho State Police detective. In the report, there are findings where he agrees with the Judge for Justice analysis. However, he believes Tapp was in Dodge’s apartment when she was murdered. He does think it’s unlikely that Tapp is the man behind the knife.
The report claims that with the statements Tapp gave to police explaining his involvement, one would think his DNA would be present on at least one piece of evidence.
In June 2016 Dodge’s sweatpants, T-shirt, swabs from her hands and a teddy bear were tested. Tapp’s DNA wasn’t a match.
Tapp told police he held Angie down by her arms and wrist, cleaned his hands on her shirt and picked up the teddy bear that was placed over her mouth.
Robinson also states that nowadays, jurors expect to see more forensic evidence during a trial, adding that in his opinion, the lack of Tapp’s DNA would be a huge factor.
A copy of the report was released Thursday.
Clark said no decision or conclusions have been made, but that he will continue to review and analyze the report.
He is asking the Idaho Falls Police Department, Tapp’s attorney and Mike Heavy to provide feedback on the report.
The prosecutor’s office has paid nearly $36,000 for the review, they said.
A hearing for Tapp’s current appeal is set for Sept. 20.
