It is day ten of the vehicular manslaughter trial of Dr. James Corasanti. The Amherst doctor is accused in the fatal July 8 hit and run of 18-year-old Alexandria Rice.
An Amherst Police officer testified Friday about collecting evidence at Corasanti's home. Detective Peter Crofut said one of the first things that was visible on the vehicle was a "palm print" on the hood of the car.
The detective also testified about the rag that was recovered from Corasanti's garbage. He noted that the "smell of a decomposing human body is very unique and recognizable." And when he walked into the Police garage, where the rag was recovered from Corasanti's garbage, he could "smell that smell."
Crofut said the smelly rag was the same size, had the same "blue piping" around the outside, and had the same "Executive Choice" label as several microfiber detailing clothes found in the trunk of Corasanti's car when the car's contents were inventoried at the police garage.
Crofut said he could clearly see "smearing" in different directions and "it appears [the front of the top of the hood of the car] was cleaned up." He testified that "items were smeared" and "wiped away" in "a circular and back-and-forth motion." Crofut said the "latent print" was found in the "smearing" on the the hood of the car.
Corasanti's garbage was picked up about two weeks after his car was seized.
WBFO & AM 970's Chris Caya says Corasanti sat quietly, barely moving in his chair, and appearing to pay close attention to the testimony.
Here is more from Caya's reporter notebook on Friday's testimony:
According to testimony, DNA analysis shows a "small piece of biological material" was found inside the "print." In other words, the print was laid down on top of the bio material, or the print was placed on top of the bio material.
As they have from the start, the Defense again said only a small amount of debris was recovered from the scene, "probably less than a pound" and not much damage was done to the car. And they say Rice must have been hit "down low" below the hood of the car and below the headlights and that's why Corasanti "did not see her." However, the second witness, Crofut, took new photos of the car on Tuesday which shows the metal frame around the top of the headlight is clearly bent. A picture of a bent bracket shows unpainted metal that was exposed, apparently from the impact.
Crofut said he also found new pieces of biological material (that tested positive for blood) on the frame of the bumper and in the right front wheel well of the car.
Prosecutor Bargnesi said he expects to "rest" early next week. He then pointed out to the judge that the prosecution is still waiting for material the defense plans to use in its case.
Bargnesi said the prosecution notified the defense on time as required, but the defense still has not apprised the prosecution of the charts, graphs data, etc. it plans to use.
The judge ordered defense to submit material by the end of Friday's session saying "do I make myself clear Mr. Daniels, Ms. Meyers, Mr. Burton?"