Expert to re-examine Idaho slaying

IDAHO FALLS (AP) - Southeastern Idaho officials have approved spending up to $25,000 for an independent investigation into the 1996 slaying of an 18-year-old woman and subsequent conviction of a man whose guilt has come into question.

The Post Register reports that the Bonneville County Commission on Wednesday approved a request from Bonneville County Prosecutor Bruce Pickett to hire an independent investigator.

The decision follows reports from Judges for Justice that cites flaws in the Idaho Falls Police Department's investigation into the rape and killing of Angie Dodge.

"I feel I do not have sufficient information at this point to proceed with any formal legal action," Pickett said. "However, due to the nature of the allegations and the questions raised by the reports, the Bonneville County prosecuting attorney's office requests funds be made available to hire an independent expert."

Christopher Tapp was convicted of the killing and sentenced to life in prison. But Judges for Justice said he was coerced by police into making a false confession after being threatened with prison or death, and offered potential deals for immunity.

Tapp has long maintained he didn't kill Dodge.