More Cross-Examination into DNA Evidence in Murder Trial
The murder trial for slain Pastor Llewellyn Lucas continued today in the Belmopan Supreme Court. The day’s proceedings focused on the forensics with four witnesses appearing in court. This morning, the F.B.I. analyst took the stand once again via a Skype call. The analyst was questioned about whether the D.N.A. samples collected from three of the suspects could have been contaminated during the processing. In response, the analyst told the court that there was no way there was contamination and that the court can rely on the results. Following the F.B.I, two local forensic analysts and another witness were cross-examined. Today, the court admitted the clothing, including a shirt, pants and footwear that contained blood which the F.B.I. analyst confirmed was Lucas’ blood. Those pieces of items were from Keiron and Terrence Fernandez and Ernest Castillo. Defense attorney Norman Rodriguez spoke with the media to share what transpired in court today, noting that the admittance of the blood stained garments as evidence for the crown was big.
Norman Rodriguez
Norman Rodriguez, Attorney
“It was all forensics again. We started off this morning with the cross examination of the forensic analyst in the U.S.A. I think the defence attorneys attempted to attack that evidence by looking at the cross contamination. After the F.B.I. analyst, we had two local forensic witnesses. I think the defence was able to attack that evidence by looking at how the evidence is stored and even a part of the collection process. And finally, we had the last witness, in which I think it was a big day for the Crown. They got in some of the evidence that they wanted to get in. Tomorrow we continue with some more of that and then we will be able to cross examine that final witness. But for them, today it was all forensics.”
Reporter
“It appears that the D.P.P. is kind of stacking up this evidence, piled high, against these defendants – some more than others. For you guys as attorneys, how do you all deal with each part of the difference evidences that has been put before the courts?”
Norman Rodriguez
“First of all, there is no question that the D.P.P. has experience and knowledge. She is a well learned attorney and she has the experience to go with it. But you have to watch and see where the attorneys will do their cross examining and how they will do it. Until you see that, all you will see is – because this is the point where the crown is bringing its case. We will decide if we will present a defense and of course we will. Then you will see what the defence attorneys can do. But we are all learned people and we have to do what we are supposed to do.”
