mjmcdonald@star-telegram.com
FORT WORTH -- The trial of John "Johnny" Hummel turned scientific Monday with jurors hearing how DNA, fingerprints and trace evidence were used to identify and to help determine what happened to three people found dead in a burned-out house in 2009 in Kennedale.
Scientists and analysts from various disciplines dominated the sixth day of testimony in the capital murder trial as prosecutors Miles Brissette and Bob Gill continue to methodically lay out their case against Hummel.
The 35-year-old former Marine is on trial in state District Judge Ruben Gonzalez's court, accused of killing his pregnant wife, Joy; disabled father-in-law, Clyde Bedford; and daughter, Jodi, 5, and then setting fire to the family's home.
A DNA forensic analyst testified that Joy Hummel was pregnant with a girl.
If convicted, prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Hummel, who is being defended by Fred Cummings, Larry Moore and Pam Fernandez.
Hummel confessed to the crime after he was arrested in California. He told investigators that he beat his wife with a baseball bat and then stabbed her with a two swords and a dagger, before resting for a short time and then fatally beating Bedford and Jodi. After his family was dead, Hummel told investigators that he torched his house and began working on his alibi by going to places where his presence would be captured on surveillance video. http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=dvd+with+media+on+it&_sacat=See-All-Categories
Melody McDonald, 817-390-7386
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