Steven Ryan, from the New York State Police, testified about blood samples taken from the Harris residence on Thursday. Pictured, Ryan departs the courthouse during a break from his testimony. (Photo by Wendy Post)
Testimony of prosecution witnesses continued on Thursday in the fourth, second-degree murder trial for Spencer, N.Y. resident Calvin Harris. And with close to a dozen witnesses called so far by the prosecution, it is evident that this trial is going to proceed much quicker than the last trial – which saw months of testimony from dozens of witnesses.
On Thursday, defense attorney Donna Aldea estimated that the prosecution could be done presenting witnesses by the end of next week. As for witnesses to be called by the defense, Aldea stated that they are still waiting on Judge Richard Mott to make a ruling on a motion that would allow evidence into the trial that points in a different direction. Once that ruling is made, the defense will be able to determine whom they are allowed to call to the stand.
In the meantime, Aldea stated that they [the defense] would call as many witnesses as they can.
On Thursday, Steven Ryan, of the New York State Police and Steven Anderson, also a New York State investigator took the stand to testify about the blood samples that were taken from the Harris’ garage and home.
Ryan drew diagrams of the stains and then converted them into computer diagrams. The defense argued that the computer diagrams were not an accurate measurement.
Anderson only took the stand briefly in the afternoon, and testified about the evidence collection at the Harris home. Anderson was expected to return to the stand on Friday.
Earlier, on Wednesday, defense attorney Bruce Barket announced that DNA tests of items found in a burn pit on Edgecomb Hill Road in Lockwood, N.Y., which included a knife and burned clothing that matched Michele Harris’ work uniform, were inconclusive.
Because they were not able to extract DNA for testing from the items found, the defense believes that these items won’t be admissible in this trial.
The defense has continued to argue that someone else was responsible for Michele Harris’ disappearance, and they believe that the location in Lockwood has a strong connection.
Stacey Stewart occupied the residence in Lockwood, for a period of time. Stewart moved out of the area immediately following Michele Harris’ disappearance.
The defense will be introducing evidence later in the trial that they believe will prove to the court that someone other than Calvin Harris is responsible for Michele Harris’ disappearance.
Testimony by Steven Anderson will continue in the Schoharie County Courthouse on Friday.
