New DNA evidence could unravel 30-year-old rape case

PORTSMOUTH (WSLS 10) - New DNA testing may be the link that unravels a more than 30-year-old Portsmouth rape case.

In 1977, a 12-year-old girl told police that Roy Watford and his three brothers raped her.

In exchange for staying out of jail, Watford pleaded guilty to the crime, although he has said from the beginning that he didn't do it.

Three decades later and with the help of an attorney, a sample of his DNA was tested. The results showed his DNA did not match samples tested for the crime.

After discovering these results, he filed a petition with the state attorney general. If granted, he would finally be able to clear his name.

Watford said, "I was praying that you know, I could continue on and you know, one day there would be a change and it's happened. It's happening."

The attorney general's office has 30 days to respond to Watford's request.