Final murder trial witnesses testify on lack of defendant's DNA
NORWICH – The Coates murder trial continued Friday as forensic scientists explained ways the defendant's DNA may have been removed from the crime scene.
Jeremy Coates, 47, of Greene, has been accused of killing 58-year-old veteran, David Green, and is charged with first-degree murder, assault, and robbery. According to District Attorney Joseph McBride, Coates killed Green by striking him with multiple objects, including a 75-pound piece of slate, and then removed his own DNA from the scene by washing and burning it away.
Two forensic scientists testified on Friday for the prosecution, and New York State Forensic Scientist Kristine Robinson said there is no DNA evidence linking Coates to the murder.
New York State Forensic Scientist Leah Egnor said she examined objects found on the crime scene and found blood coating several weapons including a shattered battle-ax, an ashtray, a 75-pound piece of slate, and a hammer. Egnor added any objects she examined that may have contained DNA evidence were analyzed by other scientists, including Robinson.
Robinson tested the blood found on crime scene objects and the firearms found in Coates' attic. According to Robinson, the blood found on both the objects and the firearms belonged to the victim.
She testified to analyzing crime scene evidence for DNA, but ultimately couldn't find any linking Coates to the murder.
McBride asked Robinson if someone could destroy DNA using basic elements, like water or fire.
Robinson said it was possible, and explained how DNA could be diluted with water, or destroyed by fire.
Coates' ex-girlfriend, Melissa Crispell, said on the night of the murder, Coates spent over 20 minutes in the victim's home after she witnessed Coates assault the victim.
In McBride's opening statement, he said Coates cleaned the crime scene of his DNA, and during the trial, police testified to finding blood on the underside, and around the drain hole of a sink in the victim's home.
Crispell said after waiting outside for 20 minutes, Coates emerged without blood on him, and they traveled to Whaupaunaucau State Park where Coates burned evidence.
Friday's testimony served as the final pieces of evidence for jury consideration as both the prosecution and the defense rested their cases. All that remains are closing statements, which are scheduled for Monday at 9 a.m.
Pictured: Defense Attorneys Brett Cowins and John Cameron with murder trial defendant Jeremy Coates.
Jeremy Coates, 47, of Greene, has been accused of killing 58-year-old veteran, David Green, and is charged with first-degree murder, assault, and robbery. According to District Attorney Joseph McBride, Coates killed Green by striking him with multiple objects, including a 75-pound piece of slate, and then removed his own DNA from the scene by washing and burning it away.
Two forensic scientists testified on Friday for the prosecution, and New York State Forensic Scientist Kristine Robinson said there is no DNA evidence linking Coates to the murder.
New York State Forensic Scientist Leah Egnor said she examined objects found on the crime scene and found blood coating several weapons including a shattered battle-ax, an ashtray, a 75-pound piece of slate, and a hammer. Egnor added any objects she examined that may have contained DNA evidence were analyzed by other scientists, including Robinson.
Robinson tested the blood found on crime scene objects and the firearms found in Coates' attic. According to Robinson, the blood found on both the objects and the firearms belonged to the victim.
She testified to analyzing crime scene evidence for DNA, but ultimately couldn't find any linking Coates to the murder.
McBride asked Robinson if someone could destroy DNA using basic elements, like water or fire.
Robinson said it was possible, and explained how DNA could be diluted with water, or destroyed by fire.
Coates' ex-girlfriend, Melissa Crispell, said on the night of the murder, Coates spent over 20 minutes in the victim's home after she witnessed Coates assault the victim.
In McBride's opening statement, he said Coates cleaned the crime scene of his DNA, and during the trial, police testified to finding blood on the underside, and around the drain hole of a sink in the victim's home.
Crispell said after waiting outside for 20 minutes, Coates emerged without blood on him, and they traveled to Whaupaunaucau State Park where Coates burned evidence.
Friday's testimony served as the final pieces of evidence for jury consideration as both the prosecution and the defense rested their cases. All that remains are closing statements, which are scheduled for Monday at 9 a.m.
Pictured: Defense Attorneys Brett Cowins and John Cameron with murder trial defendant Jeremy Coates.
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