Investigator defends work

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Items found at the house of a man charged with killing 11 women were meticulously logged and checked, a trial witness testified Wednesday, but under cross-examination he said numerous materials were not tested further for DNA that might link them to the suspect.

Beyond initial checks, “you did no further testing?” defense attorney John Parker repeatedly asked evidence investigator Curtiss Jones at the murder trial of Anthony Sowell.

“That’s correct,” Jones responded, including to a question about further testing of a binding used to strangle one of the women.

The defense attorney moved quickly from item to item without pressing the issue of why various materials weren’t tested.

The questioning highlighted the defense contention that there is no witness, fingerprint or scientific evidence linking the 51-year-old Sowell to the slayings. The prosecution has said the discovery of the bodies and trial testimony of survivors who said they were raped by Sowell show an incriminating pattern.

Under direct questioning by assistant prosecutor Richard Bombik, Jones identified items taken from Sowell’s home after police investigating a sexual- assault complaint began finding bodies.

Bombik put on a plastic surgical glove to show jurors the items, including a ring found on a victim and earrings. Jones linked the items displayed in court to photos of the crime scene.

The prosecutor questioned Jones about items including clothing and a shovel. The shovel wasn’t tested, but tests on underwear showed no blood or semen stains, Jones testified.

Sowell has pleaded not guilty. He could face the death penalty if convicted.