Vanessa Kirkland Murder Trial | Defence roasts forensic analyst

Defence attorneys hammered the credibility of forensic analyst Kathrina Graham yesterday, suggesting that she had been incompetent and careless in collecting crime-scene evidence deemed crucial to the case of 16-year-old schoolgirl Vanessa Kirkland, who was killed on March 20, 2013.

As cross-examination continued at the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston in the trial for the three cops charged with Kirkland’s murder, attorney-at-law Peter Champagnie asked Graham, of the Independent Commission of Investigations, why she had not swabbed the .38 revolver firearm handed to her at the Hunts Bay Police Station.

Graham said that she could not have swabbed it because it was unpackaged, and it was handed to her by the police officer with his bare hands. She also contended that the police officer refused to tell her information relating to the firearm, therefore, she could not establish a chain of custody.

Champagnie then enquired if the firearm could have been swabbed for DNA, to which she responded in the affirmative.

He then asked, “Would you agree that you were a glorified photographer for INDECOM that night?” while making reference to the at least 400 photos taken by Graham on the night of the incident.

HOSPITAL VISITS

She answered, “I don’t agree.”

Attorney Nadine Guy continued the line of questioning. She suggested that the INDECOM forensic analyst deprived the court of material by not going to the Kingston Public Hospital on the night of the incident. At least five other individuals are said to have been injured by gunfire and were taken to that hospital for treatment.

But Graham said that when she tried to visit the injured individuals, she was informed that they were still being treated.

Pressed on why she did not make further attempts, Graham said her efforts proved futile.

Attorney-at-law Oswest Senior-Smith asked Graham, “In hindsight, as a forensic scientist, you’d agree that out of prudence, you should have done swabbing in that small car?”

Graham said, “It could have been done.”

Graham maintained her position.

INDECOM investigator Leton Coleman is expected to testify on Monday.

Police constables Anna-Kay Bailey, Durvin Hayles, and Andrewain Smith are on trial for Kirkland’s murder.