Donald Younge

Case record: Donald Younge

Background

Donald Eugene Younge was an inmate at Utah State Prison. He was originally from East St. Louis, Mo., and was charged almost a decade later with the murder of Amy Quinton.

Amy Quinton was an actress and a University of Utah student who was preparing to graduate in 1999. She was 22 at the time of her death. Nearly three years before Quinton’s murder, a 23-year-old University of Utah student told police she was walking home after a night class near her home at 465 S. 1200 East when a man mugged and raped her in a nearby alley.

Judy Quinton said: "I've lost my faith in the criminal justice system," and " ... After I learned they dropped the death penalty in Illinois, I just became very disappointed." Amy Quinton’s mother also stated: " ... After I learned they dropped the death penalty in Illinois, I just became very disappointed." (as quoted in the narrative).

A relative of Younge’s identified his voice on the 911 tape.

The offence

1996 rape (Salt Lake City)

A 23-year-old University of Utah student reported being mugged and raped in an alley near her home at 465 S. 1200 East while walking home after a night class.

The attacker forced to perform oral sex, and before fleeing, the rapist took $16 from the woman. Prosecutors filed charges in 1996 against the owner of the particular DNA profile collected from the rape victim; at the time, the rapist was only known as "John Doe." Bob Stott said: "It was the first time this had been done in Utah," and also said: "After DNA from the East St. Louis cases was processed and a match was discovered, prosecutors filed charges against Younge."

1999 home invasion and killing of Amy Quinton (Salt Lake City)

On August 3, 1999, University of Utah theater student Amy Quinton, 22, was stabbed to death in her condo at 127 S. 800 East.

Court documents described that her condo had an unlocked sliding-glass door and that an unknown man entered her and her roommates’ condo. Three people, including Quinton, were home at the time. Quinton was studying and one roommate was watching a movie when Younge entered, according to court documents.

When the girl watching the movie got up to go to the kitchen, she was met by Younge who held a knife to her throat and told her to be quiet or he would kill her. Quinton dialed 911, and the intruder caught her and hung up the phone. The 911 operator called back, and Younge answered the phone and said: "We're OK. It was a mistake."

The narrative included a direct quote from a 911 dispatcher: "Hi, this is Kathryn at Salt Lake City 911. We've just received a hang-up call from this number." The suspect told her: "We're OK. It was a mistake." The dispatcher said: "Well, unfortunately we have to send officers out." The suspect said: "OK." And the dispatcher asked: "So why don't you tell me what the problem is."

Younge gave the girls duct tape and told them to tape each other up. Before leaving, the intruder struck one of the roommates in the head, non-fatally stabbed the other roommate, then stabbed Quinton, piercing her heart and killing her. Quinton died from a stab wound to the abdomen, according to the narrative.

After the slaying, investigators tracked Younge for a short time as he used Quinton’s credit cards to buy gas in Park City and Steamboat Springs, Colo., but the trail was lost after that.

Investigation

1996 rape DNA evidence and warrant process

In March 2000, prosecutors filed Utah’s first warrant containing only a suspect’s DNA profile taken from semen on the victim’s body, but not his name. This prevented the statute of limitations—then just four years for rape cases in Utah—from expiring (with the statute later changed, described as being eliminated for first-degree felony sex crimes, including rape).

In March 2000, two counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of robbery were filed against John Doe, later identified as Younge.

In February 2009, with DNA evidence that the DNA was Younge’s, he had already been convicted and sentenced in the rape case; the narrative described that it was announced in March 2002 that the DNA profile from the 1996 rape matched Younge.

In February 2008, the narrative described that DNA tests matched Younge, and it later stated that in March 2002 police announced the DNA profile from the Nov. 1996 rape matched Younge while he was on trial in Illinois for a December 1999 sexual assault/rape and unlawful detention of a prostitute named Antonina Brummond.

Quinton murder DNA and allegations of prosecutorial misconduct

Sorenson Forensics prepared a report, dated Feb. 21, 2008, described as finding male DNA on Quinton’s phone, on duct tape used to tie her up, and under Quinton’s fingernails, which the defense alleged did not match Younge.

Misner alleged that report is dated Feb. 21, 2008, two months before prosecutors charged Younge with the murder, and 18 months before prosecutors offered Younge a “global” plea deal for charges in both cases. Misner also alleged that prosecutors withheld evidence for 18 months and through five rounds of discovery.

Lead prosecutor Vincent Meister said they received the Sorenson report only shortly before they provided it to the defense, not 18 months. Meister would not discuss the DNA or any other evidence that may tie Younge to the Quinton murder, and said: "We [have] handled this case professionally," and: "If necessary, we’ll have an evidentiary hearing to deal with [Misner’s misconduct allegations]."

Arrest and custody

Younge was arrested and jailed in St. Clair County, Ill., in January 2002, and remained in custody described as awaiting trial in Illinois.

In March 2009, Younge was extradited to Utah. The Illinois murder charges were dropped. The narrative stated that the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office later said that the loss of key-witness Drummond and a potentially dishonest state's witness provoked the dismissal.

Younge was charged in Utah in May 2008 with the Quinton murder and related first-degree felony charges. At the time of charging, he was locked up in Illinois.

Trial

Motions and evidentiary hearing in rape case

In October 2009, a motion and evidentiary hearing was held in the rape case.

Younge argued his Miranda rights were violated by a Salt Lake City Police Detective Mark Scharman who came to Illinois to interview him. Third District Judge Deno Himonas ruled Younge’s rights were violated and the contents of the interview would not be admitted as evidence at trial.

Younge also argued that the "John Doe"/DNA warrant was illegal because it did not give him proper notice that he was charged with a crime.

Preliminary hearing and plea negotiations

In November 2009, Quinton’s roommates, Erin Warn and Lynn Drebes, testified against Younge in the preliminary hearing in the Quinton murder case.

The narrative stated that later in November 2009 prosecutors made a “global” offer to Younge: plead guilty to one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of capital homicide; prosecutors would recommend life with parole; and all other charges would be dropped.

Younge declined the plea offer, though his attorney encouraged him to take it.

A direct quote from Misner at a Feb. 26 motion hearing included: "The DNA says it’s somebody else," Misner said, and: "The fair remedy … is to dismiss this case. This is clearly misconduct [and] bad faith. … Something fishy is going on. I don’t trust [the prosecutors]."

Trial timeline for Quinton murder charges

On Dec. 14, 2009, mid-trial, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office announced they would seek the death penalty against Younge for the Quinton murder.

On Dec. 16, 2009, Younge was convicted in the rape case. A jury deliberated 1 hour.

On Dec. 13, 2009, the 1996 rape victim testified at trial.

Sentencing

On January 15, 2010, Younge was sentenced to 31 years to life in prison in the rape case.

Appeals

Attorneys on the case were expected to file more written argument before Himonas ruled on the motions.

On Feb. 26, 2010, Younge's attorneys accused prosecutors of misconduct in the Quinton murder trial.

Outcome

The narrative stated that it was years earlier that the DNA profile from the Nov. 1996 rape matched Younge. It then described that in December 2009, with evidence that the DNA was Younge’s, he was convicted and sentenced to 31-years-to-life in prison.

The death penalty was described as being a possible outcome for the Quinton murder charge, and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office announced they would seek the death penalty for the Quinton murder.

Other details

3rd District Court and charges

Younge faced nine first-degree felony charges and one capital aggravated murder charge for Quinton’s death, but he was already serving two life terms in prison at the time of the narrative.

When he was charged on May 22, 2008 in 3rd District Court, the charges included aggravated murder, two counts of attempted aggravated murder, three counts of aggravated kidnapping, three counts of aggravated robbery, and one count of aggravated burglary. The charges were first degree felonies. An aggravated murder charge carried a possible death sentence.

The narrative quoted Deputy District Attorney Alicia Cook as saying: " We are very glad to bring the case to this point where we can actually file charges against the defendant for something that was obviously a very heinous crime and impacted too many members of our community ."

Names of Quinton’s roommates

Roommates included Erin Warn, 19, and Lynn Drebes, 37. Erin Warn was stabbed but survived, and Lynn Drebes was hit in the head.

Illinois “garbage bag” murders (multiple victims)

The narrative described Younge being charged in Illinois in the “garbage bag” killings of three prostitutes whose bodies were found in similar garbage bags within a six-block radius in East St. Louis.

Victims listed were Seriece Johnson, 33, cause of death unknown; Ramona Sidney, 31, with six children, cause of death unknown; and Tracy Williams, 38, with three children, strangled. The narrative also referenced Yvette House, 33, who was not found in a garbage bag but was found near the other bodies, and who was pregnant with her 12th child.

In the timeline, victims included Mary Shields, 61, and it stated that Mary Shields’ strangled body was found July 31, 2000 within four blocks of the other four women. The narrative also discussed Antonina Brummund’s escape and later death.

Antonina Brummond and related developments

Antonina Brummund escaped from her attacker on Dec. 29, 1999, after being beaten and raped after her hands and feet were bound with electrical tape. Brummund was described as testifying before a grand jury as a prosecution witness.

In March 2004, Antonina Brummond was stabbed to death in an incident described as unrelated to Younge’s case. The narrative stated that Illinois prosecutors dropped the rape charge and backed off the death penalty effort in the triple-murder case.

Death penalty commutation in Illinois

In January 2003, the narrative stated that Illinois Governor George Ryan commuted the death sentences of all Illinois inmates, but prosecutors pledged to seek the death penalty against Younge and others anyway. It stated that Ryan had previously halted all executions in 2000. Seven East St. Louis death-row inmates were commuted, but four defendants, including Younge, still faced capital punishment in their pending cases.

Younge’s prior criminal history and custody

The narrative described that Younge received a five-year sentence in Utah Department of Corrections for failing to obey an officer. It also described an incident where he blasted through a double-fatal accident scene at more than 100 mph where Utah Highway Patrol Officer David Excell was controlling traffic.

The narrative stated that it did not take long for Excell to discover Younge was in a stolen car taken in a California carjacking, and that the chase ended when Younge rolled the vehicle during the high-speed chase in southern Utah. It stated that Younge was released on parole at least three times, but always returned to prison because of violations.

The narrative stated that Younge was convicted of kidnapping and domestic assault in 1998; domestic assault in 1997; and assault and domestic battery in 1996. It also stated that he served most of his time in maximum security due to disciplinary problems.

Richard Scharine said: "I lost a friend, and I lost a student." He also said: "She was a sweet kid to have around." He later said: "We missed her a lot when she was gone." He also described crying during a ceremony.

Timeline

• Nov. 7 1996 — A 23-year-old University of Utah student was mugged and raped in an alley near 465 S. 1200 East while walking home from a night class.
• August 3, 1999 — Amy Quinton, 22, was stabbed to death in her condo at 127 S. 800 East; roommate Erin Warn, 19, was stabbed but survived, and roommate Lynn Drebes, 37, was hit in the head.
• March 2000 — Utah filed a “John Doe” DNA warrant with counts of aggravated sexual assault and robbery against a suspect later identified as Younge.
• February 2, 2000 — Seriece Johnson and Yvette House were found in a field of high weeds near 20th Street.
• March 18, 2004 — Illinois prosecutors said their key witness, Antonina Brummond, was murdered and unrelated to Younge’s case.
• Feb. 21, 2008 — Sorenson Forensics tested samples from the phone and duct tape used in the home-invasion/murder of Quinton.
• May 22, 2008 — Younge was charged with the Quinton murder.
• January 15, 2010 — Younge was sentenced to 31 years to life in prison in the rape case.
• Feb. 26, 2010 — Younge’s attorneys accused prosecutors of misconduct in the Quinton murder trial.
• Dec. 8, 2009 — Himonas ruled that a “preponderance of the evidence” showed the statute of limitations tolled beginning March 1999.
• Oct. 23-27 2009 — A motion and evidentiary hearing was held in Younge’s rape case.
• Dec. 9, 2009 — Himonas ruled in the rape case regarding statute of limitations and documented that Defendant was outside the jurisdiction of Utah from March 1999 until extradited to Utah.
• Dec. 13, 2009 — The 1996 rape victim testified at trial.
• Dec. 14, 2009 — Mid-trial, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office announced they would seek the death penalty against Younge for the Quinton murder.
• Dec. 16, 2009 — Younge was convicted in the rape case.
• **Feb.
• March 25, 2000 — FOX’s America's Most Wanted featured the Amy Quinton murder.
• Sept. 17, 2002 — The “John Doe”/DNA warrant in the rape case was amended to include Younge’s name.
• March 2, 2009 — Younge was extradited to Utah; Illinois murder charges were dropped.
• Jan. 2002 — Younge was arrested and jailed in St. Clair County, Ill.
• December 2009 — With evidence that the DNA was Younge’s, he was convicted and sentenced to 31-years-to-life in prison.
• June 2002 — While awaiting trial in Illinois, Younge was charged in the “garbage bag” killings of three prostitutes in East St. Louis.
• March 2002 — It was announced that the DNA profile from the Nov. 1996 rape matched Younge.
• April 16, 1977 — Amy Quinton was born in Seattle, Wash.
• Summer 1999 — Amy Quinton was posthumously granted a degree in theater from the University of Utah.
• March 1999 — The alleged month that Younge left Utah.

Verbatim quotations

Misner: "The DNA says it’s somebody else," Misner said at a Feb. 26 motion hearing. "The fair remedy … is to dismiss this case. This is clearly misconduct [and] bad faith. … Something fishy is going on. I don’t trust [the prosecutors]."

Dispatch: "Hi, this is Kathryn at Salt Lake City 911. We've just received a hang-up call from this number." The suspect told her, "We're OK. It was a mistake." The dispatcher said, "Well, unfortunately we have to send officers out." The suspect said, "OK." And the dispatcher asked, "So why don't you tell me what the problem is."

Deputy District Attorney Alicia Cook: " We are very glad to bring the case to this point where we can actually file charges against the defendant for something that was obviously a very heinous crime and impacted too many members of our community ."

Lead prosecutor Vincent Meister: "We [have] handled this case professionally." "If necessary, we’ll have an evidentiary hearing to deal with [Misner’s misconduct allegations]."

Himonas: "Detective Wasmuth's testimony and documents admitted into evidence demonstrate that Defendant was outside the jurisdiction of Utah from March 1999 until he was extradited to Utah on February 28, 2009. There is no evidence to the contrary."