Key dates in Motel 6 murder case

The lengthy and complex saga of the Motel 6 slaying of Matthew John Whicker has dragged on for years with more twists and turns than a mystery novel.

Here are a few key dates:

Oct. 29, 1996 — Whicker is shot to death in the motel lobby.

November 1996 — Police arrest Elliott Rashad Harper, 17; Todd Jeremy Rettenberger, 18; and Scott Johnson, 18. (Charges against Johnson are eventually dropped, as are charges that were brought against two other young men, Justin Schulba and Brandon Fairbourne.)

August 1999 — The Utah Supreme Court rules that statements by Rettenberger cannot be used because police used lies and manipulation to get the confession.

January 2002 — Jury selection begins for the long-delayed Rettenberger trial. However, Rettenberger enters into a plea agreement after spending more than five years in the Davis County Jail. He receives a suspended sentence.

January 2003 — Forensics expert Scott Spjut accidentally shoots himself to death while inspecting a gun.

February 2003 - Fingerprints thought to be those of David Valken-Leduc turn out to be those of the victim.

January 2004 — Valken-Leduc is convicted by a jury of killing Whicker. He ultimately is sentenced to six years to life in prison.

July 2004 — A jury cannot reach a verdict in Harper's trial. Prosecutors vow to retry him.

March 2005 — Harper enters into a plea deal just before his second trial is to begin. He receives a five-years-to-life prison term.

June 2006 — Board of Pardons and Parole announces Harper's release date: Feb. 1, 2008.

June 16, 2009 — David Valken-Leduc's conviction is vacated and he is freed from prison.