DNA scientist takes the witness stand in twins murder trial
Manoah Tuiasosopo
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A DNA scientist took the witness stand in the trial for the twin brothers charged with the murder of a Yuma teenager.
Theresa Ritna, the DNA scientist, found that DNA from a ski-mask recovered at the crime scene was 13-octillion-times more likely to belong to one of the twins compared to a random stranger.
Ritna says that since the twins have the exact same DNA, it’s unclear which brother it belonged to.
The mask was one of several items detectives wanted scientifically examined.
The defense argues the possibility that some items may have been left out.
“There’s a black ski mask, as well as handgun, and a spent shell casings,” Ritna said while reviewing her documents.
Zach Dumyahn, the defense attorney, replied, “Those were the only items you’re aware of for this investigation, correct?”
A detective will testify next where the jury will learn about messages recovered from the defendant’s phones.