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

*Note: This story is a republication of a case that originally made headlines in May 2015.*

In a twist of irony, a Tennessee death row inmate trying to prove his innocence ended up reinforcing the evidence that put him there.

**Marlon Kiser**, convicted in 2003 for the **murder of Hamilton County Deputy Donald Bond**, has consistently maintained that he was framed by his former roommate, **James Michael Chattin**.

Through his website, *FreeMarlonKiser.com*, Kiser claimed that Chattin killed the deputy out of jealousy, alleging an affair between the officer and Chattin’s wife, Tina. Kiser further claimed Chattin had threatened to kill the officer and later pinned the crime on Kiser to protect himself — especially since Kiser had an upcoming lawsuit against the Chattanooga Police.

Kiser wrote:

> “Mike Chattin could not allow me to leave because I knew too many secrets about him.”

He also launched a **petition** to remove himself from death row, garnering **470+ signatures** toward a goal of 1,000. Supporters cited alleged police corruption and Chattin’s criminal behavior as reasons to question Kiser’s guilt.

However, in seeking **post-conviction relief**, Kiser’s legal team requested fingerprint analysis on evidence from the crime scene — specifically Deputy Bond’s **flashlight and vehicle**. The results revealed **Kiser’s own fingerprints**, further linking him to the murder.

Additional evidence already included **fibers from the deputy’s clothes** found on Kiser, which contributed to his original conviction.

Despite Kiser’s efforts to cast doubt, the forensic findings have only strengthened the case against him — a dramatic and tragic example of how attempts to clear one’s name can sometimes backfire.