FORENSIC samples taken from the bloodied shoes of an accused killer matched the DNA of his alleged victim, a court has heard. Rhys Louis Gardner, 22, has pleaded not guilty to murdering 39-year-old Michael David Williams in February 2011. The court has heard Mr Williams was allegedly kicked, stomped and punched to death in a vicious early morning assault. The Supreme Court in Hobart last week heard extensive reddish-brown stains on the sole, heel, toe and top of the accused killer's right shoe were all found to be human blood. Forensic biologist Charles Connor was this morning called to give further evidence about the blood stains. DNA taken from the heel, toe and lettering on the sole of Mr Gardner's shoe all returned mixed samples. The victim's DNA was the major contributor in every instance, Dr Connor said. The court heard DNA taken from a fine blood splatter on the accused's killer's shoe, said to have arrived as a result of some force being applied to wet blood, also matched the victim. A bloodied jumper taken from the floor of the Stainforth Court residence the attack took place also matched the victim's DNA, as did blood stains on the carpet. Under cross examination, Dr Connor testified matching DNA profiles taken from each of the blood stains were not necessarily blood. Dr Connor told jurors the matches could also have been drawn from saliva, perspiration or skin cells. The trial, before Justice Shan Tennent, continues.
FORENSIC samples taken from the bloodied shoes of an accused killer matched the DNA of his alleged victim, a court has heard.
Rhys Louis Gardner, 22, has pleaded not guilty to murdering 39-year-old Michael David Williams in February 2011.
The court has heard Mr Williams was allegedly kicked, stomped and punched to death in a vicious early morning assault.
The Supreme Court in Hobart last week heard extensive reddish-brown stains on the sole, heel, toe and top of the accused killer's right shoe were all found to be human blood.
Forensic biologist Charles Connor was this morning called to give further evidence about the blood stains.
DNA taken from the heel, toe and lettering on the sole of Mr Gardner's shoe all returned mixed samples.
The victim's DNA was the major contributor in every instance, Dr Connor said.
The court heard DNA taken from a fine blood splatter on the accused's killer's shoe, said to have arrived as a result of some force being applied to wet blood, also matched the victim.
A bloodied jumper taken from the floor of the Stainforth Court residence the attack took place also matched the victim's DNA, as did blood stains on the carpet.
Under cross examination, Dr Connor testified matching DNA profiles taken from each of the blood stains were not necessarily blood.
Dr Connor told jurors the matches could also have been drawn from saliva, perspiration or skin cells.
The trial, before Justice Shan Tennent, continues.
