DNA expert testifies at LaFonse Dixon murder trial

The DNA found on a roll of masking tape linked to the death of Canton resident Celeste Fronsman is consistent with that of LaFonse Dixon, the man on trial in her murder, according to a prosecution witness.

Kristen Slaper, of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said Monday that she could not exclude Dixon, 34, of Canton, as a source of the DNA. Slaper also told jurors that DNA consistent with Fronsmans was also found on the tape.

Prosecutors have said that a roll of masking tape was found in a 1996 Chevy Tahoe. According to previous testimony, Dixon, Fronsman and two others co-defendants Monica Washington, 25, and Katrina KC Culberson, 22 rode in the vehicle from Canton to a remote wooded area in Muskingum County on Aug. 26, 2012.

Dixon faces charges of aggravated murder, aggravated arson and kidnapping; if convicted, he could be sentenced to death. Culberson and Washington both have pleaded guilty to the same charges. Both await sentencing.

A motorist spotted the 29-year-old Fronsman along the road. After managing to walk or crawl there, she was writhing in pain when she threw herself on the hood of the vehicle the man was driving, according to prosecutors.

Dixon and the others beat up Fronsman, according to testimony. At the Tri-Valley recreation area, Dixon dragged Fronsman into tall grass, according to statements from Culberson and Washington last week. Dixon handed Culberson a lighter and she set Fronsman ablaze, where she was left to die as the trio drove back to Canton, both women told jurors.

Other than opening arguments, Monday marked the first time that Dixon was tied directly to DNA evidence in the case.

Slaper, the DNA expert, said that both Dixon and Fronsman were major contributors to the DNA found on the roll of masking tape. Prior testimony said the tape was used to bind Fronsmans hands together.

Statistically, she said, one in 11,750 unrelated people could have the DNA found on the tape. Slaper described DNA as the genetic material unique to each individual, found in blood and skin cells, for example, with the exception of identical twins.

Slaper faced aggressive questioning from defense attorney Larry Thomas. He pointed out that the odds were far lower than those cited for DNA found inside the Tahoe on some items matching Fronsman. For some of those objects, the odds of someone else having the same profile were staggering the number so high it would take several Earths to find somebody else with the same profile, Slaper said.

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DNA expert testifies at LaFonse Dixon murder trial