Death Row Inmate Who Begged For Untested Fingerprints To Be Tested Before Execution Gets Results Back

In May 2015, a Tennessee death row inmate’s attempt to prove his innocence ended up strengthening the case against him.

Marlon Kiser was sentenced to death for the 2001 killing of Hamilton County Deputy Donald Bond. Despite his conviction, Kiser has long maintained that his former roommate, James Michael Chattin, was the real killer.

On his website, *FreeMarlonKiser.com*, Kiser claimed Chattin had discovered Deputy Bond was allegedly having an affair with his wife, Tina Chattin, and had vowed to kill him. According to Kiser, Chattin carried out the murder in September 2001 and then framed him to divert suspicion, partly because Kiser had a pending police brutality lawsuit against Chattanooga police at the time.

Kiser alleged that after he confronted Chattin about drug use and asked him to move out, Chattin feared he knew “too many secrets” and targeted him. He also claimed Chattin had once asked him to kill Bond.

Kiser launched an online petition against his death sentence, gaining over 470 signatures toward a 1,000-signature goal. Supporters cited alleged police corruption and Chattin’s criminal history as reasons to doubt the conviction.

However, Kiser’s push for post-conviction relief led to new forensic testing. Palm and fingerprints found on Bond’s flashlight and car matched Kiser’s—adding to previous evidence, including fibers from Bond’s clothing, linking him to the crime.

The findings undermined Kiser’s claims of innocence, reinforcing the prosecution’s original case.

**Sources:** *Times Free Press*, *FreeMarlonKiser.com*, *Free Marlon Kiser Petition*