Expert: No Zimmerman DNA under Martin fingernails – GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE: Zimmerman Trial

Posted: July 4, 2013 at 6:45 pm

An expert witness testified Wednesday that none of George Zimmerman's DNA was found under the fingernails of Trayvon Martin, despite defense attempts to portray Zimmerman as only firing his gun in self-defense.

Crime lab analyst Anthony Gorgone testified no DNA samples taken from Martin's fingernails matched that of Zimmerman, a Florida neighborhood watch volunteer charged with killing the teenager during a scuffle.

Gorgone also testified that two different DNA profiles were found on the pistol grip. One was Zimmerman's but the other could not be identified. However, Gorgone said he was able to determine that it did not match Martin's DNA sequence.

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Zimmerman's DNA was found on Martin's sweatshirt, beneath his hoodie. Martin's DNA was found on Zimmerman's jacket.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Don West attempted to highlight potential problems with DNA evidence, pointing out that only one swab was used on Martin's fingernails while four were used on Zimmerman's pistol.

West also asked Gorgone if the fact that Martin's sweatshirt was still wet when it was bagged for evidence could compromise any DNA samples.

"The clothing should have been air dried before it was packaged or at least packaged in paper bags?" West asked Gorgone, who replied, "Ideally you would like to air dry them before package. On top of that our agencies are encouraged not to place them in plastic bags."

Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton is expected to take the stand when court reconvenes on Friday morning.

Both of Martin's parents have been present for the trial every day.

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Expert: No Zimmerman DNA under Martin fingernails - GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE: Zimmerman Trial

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