DNA expert links shooting victims blood on suspects clothing

PENTICTON The jury in a double-murder trial heard strong DNA evidence that links the accused, John Ike Koopmans, with one of the victims. Koopmans is accused of shooting and killing two of his friends, Robert Keith Wharton and Rosemary Fox, near Princeton in 2013.

READ MORE: POLICE BLOOD STAIN EXPERT TESTIFIES AT PENTICTON MURDER TRIAL

Earlier in the trial, a RCMP blood stain expert testified there were blood spatter drops on Koopmans jeans.

A DNA expert took the stand today to reveal whose blood was found.

Christine Crossman with the National Forensic Laboratory Services testified that some of the blood and DNA belonged to Koopmans, but the other samples belonged to Wharton.

The only two DNA matches on the jeans were Koopmans and Whartons, but there was indication of mixture which may or may not have been somebody else, said Crossman.

The blood droplets ranged from a few centimeters to less than a millimeter.

Whartons DNA was also found on Koopmans jacket.

Foxs DNA was not found on any of Koopmans clothing. This was also the case for lone shooting survivor Bradley Martin. His DNA was also absent from Koopmans clothing.

Instead, much of Martins blood was found inside and outside the Princeton home.

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DNA expert links shooting victims blood on suspects clothing