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Mark Carver takes stand in hearing trying to overturn murder conviction

"All I told Mark Carver to do was say what he remembered and tell the truth," said Chris Mumma, executive director of the NC Center on Actual Innocence.

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — The man trying to overturn his murder conviction took the stand in a Gaston County courtroom on Thursday

Mark Carver was convicted of murdering UNC Charlotte student Ira Yarmolenko in 2008.

He was found guilty in 2011 but has maintained his innocence the entire time and is now fighting for a new trial.

"That was the mistake he made, trusting his attorney," said Chris Mumma, executive director of the NC Center on Actual Innocence.

Mumma said Carver, who testified for about two hours, was the victim of inadequate counsel in his 2011 trial.

"All I told Mark Carver to do was say what he remembered and tell the truth," said Mumma.

Mumma added there were many things Carver's lawyers didn't do that should have exonerated him. From statements he made to detectives about the way Yarmolenko died -- including saying he "didn't shoot that little girl." He also said he didn't kill her some 80 times.

"There was male DNA on that drawstring, and instead of trying to figure out whose male DNA that was, the prosecution's focus was that from being uncovered. That was an injustice for the entire system including Ira and Mark," said Mumma.

Mumma said Carver can't read and became confused at questions by detectives and his lawyers. But she asked him only a few questions in court Thursday.

"Did he touch the car? Did he touch Ira Yarmolenko? Did he go near the car? And that was all I needed to ask," said Mumma.

Carver's answer to each of those questions was no.

Both sides rested their cases. Closing arguments are set for Friday. A verdict could come as early as June.

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