(California) -- The governor of California has ordered DNA testing on evidence that a death row inmate says would prove his innocence in a 35-year-old murder case that has drawn national attention.
Prison inmate Kevin Cooper is already on death row, after being convicted of the four 1983 killings. Cooper says he says he was framed, and some other people, including several big-name celebrities, have also raised questions about the case.
Testing was ordered Friday on a button and on hair, blood and fingernail scrapings from the victims.
Prosecutors have said previous tests show Kevin Cooper killed Doug and Peggy Ryen, their 10-year-old daughter Jessica and 11-year-old neighbor Christopher Hughes.
In ordering the new tests the Governor said he's not taking a position on Cooper's guilt or innocence but wants to make sure all the relevant evidence is thoroughly examined.
CA Governor's Office