SALEM SLAYING Evidence fails to match DNA of murder suspect, expert says

The murder trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Forensic scientists on television often link evidence to suspects.
But Stacy L. Violi, a forensic scientist for the Ohio Bureau of Identification and Investigation, testified Thursday that crime-scene evidence she tested did not match the DNA of the defendant.
Shane A. Mitchell, 19, of Fifth Street, Salem, is scheduled to go on trial Tuesday in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court on a charge of murder.
Violi testified in advance because she can't be present for the trial.
Richard P. Forrester, 20, of Lisbon, is serving a mandatory 15-year-to-life sentence after pleading guilty to a murder charge in the case.
Authorities think that Forrester and Mitchell punched or kicked Bradley L. VanHorn of Salem in the head and upper body and took his wallet and cigarette lighter. Prosecutors say the attack took place between 1 and 4:30 a.m. Dec. 11, 2004, in the parking lot of First Christian Church in Salem.
No match
Violi tested blood samples from the outside and inside of a vehicle, the victim's clothing, and blood found in the parking lot. None of it matched Mitchell. Some of the tests matched the DNA of the victim.
One stain on the car's floor mat did not produce any DNA.
Lawyers for both sides said they plan to call a large number of witnesses. Assistant prosecutor Tammie Riley Jones plans to call 26 witnesses, and the defense plans to call fewer than 10. The jury is also scheduled to view the murder scene.
Judge C. Ashley Pike said the trial may last three days and continue into a fourth day.
wilkinson@vindy.com