Jury sees bloodstains at home of murder victim

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Bloodstains on a door to murder victim Ida James’ house, plus a series of blood spatters and other marks inside the home, were yesterday viewed by the jury in a murder trial.

US blood spatter expert Jan Johnson took the stand in the case against Norris Simpson, 54, who denies the charge.

The jury had already heard how Ms James’ body was discovered on the kitchen floor of her Berry Hill Road, Paget residence. Ms James died at the home following an attack overnight between September 1 and 2, 2011.

Under questioning from prosecutor Cindy Clarke, Ms Johnson showed the jury a “road map” of the blood left behind in the home, starting with a transfer stain on the kitchen door exterior. The pictures included what the forensic expert said she believed was a bloody handprint.

“A large volume was on the hand when it was deposited on the door,” she added.

“Cast-off stains”, which the jury heard indicated blood flung from the surface of a weapon, were pictured in the hallway, along with “wipes” and “swipes” which Ms Johnson said showed activity where the blood was deposited. Impact stains were left on kitchen cabinets, and blood was left on the handle of a pair of scissors shown sticking from a kitchen drawer.

Other bloodstains carried what Ms Johnson said were the identifying characteristics of shoe prints, and the transfer impression consistent with a gloved hand.

Pictures of the home’s interior also showed surfaces were covered in containers, bottles and paper left by the occupant.

The trial has heard that Ms James, 66, succumbed to multiple stab wounds.

Mr Simpson’s lawyer Craig Attridge questioned why police appeared not to have asked his client for consent, in accordance with the police code of conduct, when they searched his North Shore Road, Pembroke room on September 2, 2011.

The officer in charge of the search agreed with Mr Attridge that no friend, family member or neighbour of Mr Simpson had been sought to be present, in accordance with best practices, for a search carried out by police on September 4.

The trial continues.

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