they already have a previous DNA match from another case.
Are you sure about that? Because they already had his DNA in the system, so if that was the case, they would have already had him linked to the other case before SL went missing.
The news report I saw claimed "They have EVIDENCE linking him to a previous case", but they didn't say DNA evidence.
This to me could be a huge problem. Maybe the MO in this case is similar to the previous case, and they have evidence pointing him to SL's dissapearance so if they can prove he was guilty here, then they can prove he was guilty in the past case.
Its different than if they are trying to work the other way around, but all depends on what evidence they have.
If I were a juror, I would still want to know what his connection was to SL?
1)Was he connected through a family/friend?
2)Did he have some sort of relationsip/friendship with her?
3)Did he often drive by the bus stop and see her waiting?
4+)etc......
OR, did he just happen do drive out that day, and pull up to a random house (down in a cul-da-sac and see her leaving her house) and then decided abduct her?
Id also want to know his typical schedule, and his schedule the day she went missing. His family claims he left home at 6:50am (not confirmed AFAIK), did he arrive at work or wherever he was headed right after that? Or does he have no alibi, and he missing for a few hours that morning?
This are all important questions IMO, even though they have DNA evidence, its possible the defense will come up with an explanation for that. If the defense proves (or even brings doubt) that he didn't have the opportunity to commit the crime, then jurors might not be convinced by the DNA evidence.
Very interested to see what new information comes out today.