Testimony today in Marissa Shephard’s first degree murder and arson trial focused on DNA evidence.
RCMP Forensic DNA Specialist Michelle Scott-Mascioli reported finding several DNA profiles from the evidence gathered during the course of the investigation.
She compared DNA found on the evidence with known profiles, leading to the discovery of two males, and a female in addition to the victim.
Scott-Mascioli said in the case of one glove, the two male profiles were matched to known samples from men with initials TN and DM.
She also testified DNA found in blood on the rear porch of 96 Sumac Street was matched to a known sample from a woman with initials MS.
Under cross-examination from Defence lawyer Gilles Lemieux, Scott-Mascioli said she could not tell when or why DNA was found where it was.
The trial resumes April 16th, with the time in between reserved for a voir dire.
A voir dire is a ‘trial within a trial’ where the judge rules on admissibility of evidence, and the jury is never present at such times.
Since the jury is not present, no public reporting of the events within the courtroom can be transmitted until the jury themselves are in deliberations.
