"Pictures revealed that there was a second feather on the same slide 35-3-2 (see attached photos). Counsel went back to District Attorney David Saacks, and photographed all the slides again on September 25, 2008. Counsel showed all the pictures obtained in both photographing sessions to Smithsonian Institution feather expert, Dr. Carla J. Dove, who confirmed the presence of the SECOND feather on slide 35-3-2 (see attached statement by Dr. Carla Dove). This feather is entangled with a hair, and attached to it with what appears to be fresh blood. It was never found before September 11, 2008. Thus, it is new and compelling evidence, and probably the single most important piece of physical evidence found so far in this case, because it connects the attack by a bird with the victim, and it is held in her hand"
So at least two owl feathers where in the victims hand along with her own hair and her own blood. Plus at the time of the autopsy her head was shaved and the hair disgarded hence many more owl feathers have never been accounted for.
Petersons conviction was overturned in 2011 and he was granted a new trial. But remained under house arrest for years waiting for his second trial. This was apparently unprecended (according to his lawyer).
Its rather obvious the state knew they had no case against him and intended to wait it out till Peterson either died of old age or finally budged to meet them halfway.
