
The chief criminologist at the Arkansas Crime Laboratory told jurors that hair similar to that of Curtis Vance was found in bedding and on a bathrobe belonging to Pressly.
In testimony Friday, Lisa Channel acknowledged that hairs are easily transferred and that she couldn't guarantee that the hair found in Pressly's bedroom came from Vance.
The witness also said that a swab taking during a rape examination tested positive for semen.
Channel testified only about forensic evidence, not DNA.
Melissa Myhand is the State Crime Lab chief forensic DNA examiner. She testified that one strand of hair met the accuracy threshold in DNA testing to scientifically prove that it is Vance's.
She says that while there were several hairs collected from Pressly's home, only one still had a root, so it was the only one that could be sent for DNA testing. She says that hair is conclusively Vance's.
Myhand testified that the semen collected from the sheets did not meet this accuracy threshold. She also said that a partial DNA profile found on the sheets could not exclude Vance. However, during cross-examination, she told the defense that because it was a limited profile that one out of seven African Americans could not be excluded if tested.
Myhand said that they couldn't develop a complete DNA profile on the seminal fluid because they believe it could have been pre-ejaculation fluid, meaning there was no sperm present.
Another DNA expert testified about the evidence and reinforced Myhand's testimony before court ended for the day at just before 3 p.m.
The courtroom has remained packed with media, family and friends. Several of Pressly's family and friends are recognizable by something they wear in her memory.
"One side is mostly the press the other is friends and family of Anne Pressly; you can tell the difference because they are all wearing this fuchsia bracelet with her name and birth date on them," Pressly's friend David Bazzel said. "I'm glad I can roll up my sleeve and I love for Vance to turn around and see it so we make sure he knows that she's not going away."
Underneath Pressly's name the bracelets reads "Love ya, mean it." That's something friends and family say she used to say often. They say shades of pink were her favorite colors.
Court resumes Monday morning. Judge Chris Piazza said they had taken a lot of information in already, so instead of continuing, they should enjoy the rest of the day and the Razorbacks game.
Friday the defense filed two motions regarding Vance's Department of Human Services file. In it, they say due to the sensitive materials in the report they want the courtroom cleared during this DHS testimony. According to the motion, the file includes details of Vances' past dating back before he was 18.
Court wrapped up Thursday with testimony from lead investigator Detective J.C. White with the Little Rock Police Department. He took the stand late Thursday afternoon. They were planning to play all of Vance's recorded statements, but only got to one before recessing until Friday morning.
Vance gave police four taped statements, three audio and one video. One of Vance's statements lasts more than four and a half hours. His story changed with each statement, including one in which he blamed two others for her rape and murder.
Kristen Edwards also took the stand Thursday. Police say Vance raped her in April of 2008. Police say they collected his DNA from her rape kit. Read more about Thursday's testimony in Vance's murder trial.
(Copyright 2009 by Today's THV & The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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