Story Published: Mar 15, 2010 at 9:03 PM PST
Story Updated: Mar 15, 2010 at 9:03 PM PST
"The types of questions that a forensic scientist is looking to answer is can the item link the victim to the assailant, can the item link the assailant to the victim or can the item link one or both to the scene," said forensic scientist Rylene Nowlin.
Monday morning, before 2nd District Judge Carl Kerrick, the prosecution called two forensic specialists to the stand. They told the court about DNA evidence that was taken from both Charlene Mabie and her husband Gary Mallory Jr., who is on trial for Mabie's 2009 Valentines Day death. Mallory is charged with first degree murder and felony assault.
Nowlin explained how those in her profession look at DNA samples.
"Our DNA between individuals, we're over 99.9% the same," said Nowlin. "That's why we all look basically the same. We all have the same basic form, our bodies are structured the same and all our bodies function in approximately the same manner. It's the less than one percent that's different in each individual that makes us each unique."
Nowlin said based on that formula, she determined Mallory was the only person to have sex with Mabie in the hours before her death.
During his cross examination, defense attorney Neil Cox asked questions about details contained in the scientific reports.
The prosecution rested Monday afternoon. Cox said he will begin calling witnesses Tuesday morning.
