DNA on bloody knife, beer can at homicide scene matches Saginaw man, expert testifies

Continuing the trial on Thursday, Cassandra Campbell, a forensic scientist at theMichigan State Police forensics lab in Lansing, told the jury that a DNA sample taken from the Budweiser beer can found at the scene matched a DNA sample obtained from the inside of Hollman's cheek.

When examining a breadknifefound near Nelson's body, Campbell said the lab determined the DNA in Nelson's blood was the main source of DNA, so the lab used a DNA test that allows them to isolate and examine male DNA only.

Using the test onskin cells on the handle of the knife, Campbell said the lab identified three different sources of male DNA. Hollman's DNA profile matched that of the "largest donor" of the three male profiles found.

She said the test is useful for examining a small amount of male DNA in the presence of much more female DNA, but noted that males on a person's paternal side would have the same DNA profile. For example, DNA from Hollman's father would be indistinguishable from Hollman's own DNA, she said.

She testified that fingernail clippings of Cassandra Nelson contained only Nelson's own DNA.

Detective Sgt. Kenneth Binder of the MSP Bridgeport Crime Lab testified that no fingerprints were found on several items found at the scene, including a television found on Nelson's body, a blue plastic mug, a cardboard kitchen knife sheath and a steak knife, along with the blood-covered bread knife and the Budweiser beer can.

Amanda Sanchez, 20, identified herself as Hollman's girlfriend and told the jury she spent time with him on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, when the couple went to Isabella County, paying Hollman's fines at the court house before gambling for several hours at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant.

Upon request by the prosecution, Sanchez pointed out Hollman, wearing a white shirt and hat, and herself walking around the casino and playing slot machines and said they were there for most of the day before returning to the Saginaw area to stay at a hotel for the next two nights.

The couple went to Fashion Square Mall Friday, Sanchez said, where she bought Hollman a pair of Nike shoes.

Grigg testified that the witness did not board the train as instructed and agreed upon, and told Grigg during a phone call that he received online messages from Hollman's mother asking him not to come to Saginaw to testify. On another phone call, Grigg said a woman who identified herself as the man's girlfriend said he has received threats online from others about coming to Saginaw to testify.

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DNA on bloody knife, beer can at homicide scene matches Saginaw man, expert testifies