The DNA of the Granby girl’s mother-in-law was found on a clump of plastic and on a shirt, forensic biologist Josée Houde revealed on Friday. The 38-year-old is charged with second degree murder and forcible confinement of the seven-year-old child on April 29, 2019.
The biologist also identified the girl’s DNA in several places on the “plastic mass” which was described earlier in the trial as a “shell” by a paramedic. The son of the accused, for his part, claimed to have seen his “little sister” rolled up in a pile of adhesive tape.
Mme Houde explained that the piece of plastic had one sticky and one non-sticky surface. It measured “approximately” 45 cm by 25 cm.
She detected DNA from the accused, on the sticky side of the pile, “at the opposite end to the pink fibers.” A chemist explained Thursday that these pink fibers came from a toque.
The forensic biologist also identified the accused’s DNA in three places on a khaki shirt that was next to the victim when help arrived. The garment has the sleeves tied together. “The analysis also supports the inclusion of DNA from [l’accusée] among others in the following three samples: in the sample around the node, in the sample inside at the top in the center of the back, and on a ring on the right shoulder ”, she explained to the jury .
The DNA of the victim was also predominantly on the clothing. DNA from a third person was also found on the plastic clump and on the shirt.
An antidepressant in his blood
Earlier in the day, toxicologist Laurie Bédard recounted having analyzed blood samples from the victim before and after his death. She looked for traces of alcohol, medication or drugs.
His analyzes enabled him to detect the presence of Citalopram in the body of the victim. “Citalopram is a depressant […] which slows down the functions of the central nervous system. It is primarily prescribed in children to treat depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, ”she explained.
The concentration of the drug reached 173 nanograms per milliliter, an amount qualified as “therapeutic” and below the toxic threshold, according to the expert.
On cross-examination, the toxicologist confirmed that Celexa, a drug found in the victim, is the trademark of Citalopram.
Publication bans prevent us from revealing certain names and details in this trial.