Authorities in Massachusetts made a huge break in the murder of Todd Lampley in 2011 because of sweet potato left at the scene.
According to the Cape Cod Times’ report, the Massachusetts’ police made a spud-tacular break on Friday after investigators found the alleged suspect’s DNA on a sweet potato that was left at the scene.
The report revealed that the revelation came after more than a decade since the murder took place.
In a report published by the New York Post, it was revealed that “Authorities finally arrested a suspect Friday in the Feb. 27, 2011, shooting death of Todd Lampley, after cops found the alleged killer’s DNA on a sweet potato left at the scene,” adding that “Devarus Hampton, of Mashpee, was arraigned Monday in Barnstable District Court on charges of murder, assault, and battery with a deadly weapon.”
The 40-year old Hampton then pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail.
Investigators revealed that 31-year old Lampley was declared dead on the spot after he was gunned down through the bedroom window of his home in Hyannis.
“Police found three shell casings, a black cellphone, and a sweet potato with a hole through it at the scene, ABC News reported. Investigators reportedly found Hampton’s DNA on the sweet potato,” New York Post added.
In a statement released by First Assistant District Attorney Jessica Elumba, she claimed that “the sweet potato appears to be used as a silencer”
Meanwhile, prosecutors in court also recalled a scene in the hit HBO series “The Wire” “when a sweet potato was used to mask a gunshot. The cell phone found at the scene of the shooting was also registered under the name Marlo Stanfield, one of the characters on the show,” New York Post continued.
Amid the investigation, authorities also discovered that Hampton was wearing a GPS tracking bracelet when the murder took place and that police officers were subsequently able to tie his GPS location to Lampley’s home.
“According to Elumba, Hampton’s location records also placed him at the lake where the gun used in the murder was discarded and later fished out by civilians. Despite the apparently ample evidence against Hampton, prosecutors declined to comment on why it took 12 years to arrest him,” the NYPost reported.
In a statement released by Assistant District Attorney Russell Eonas, he claimed that “I can’t make a specific comment on the delay. The evidence was assessed as of now.”
Hampton’s court-appointed attorney, Edward Fogarty also claimed that he was planning to launch a “vigorous defense.”
“It is a very old case. After review of whatever the Commonwealth now says they have as evidence, we’re confident it will result in his innocence.” Fogarty added.
