Murder-accused’s blood at scene

DNA taken from blood corresponding to the murder-accused and the victim was discovered in an Invercargill motel unit where the victim’s body was found, a jury has heard.

Samuel Samson, 32, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Azalia Wilson, 22, who was found dead at the Bavarian Motel, Waikiwi, on November 17, 2019.

The Crown alleges Samson killed Wilson in a ‘‘jealous rage’’. The trial started in the High Court at Invercargill on March 8, before Justice Gerald Nation.

Yesterday, Institute of Environmental Science and Research forensic scientist Gary Gillespie was called as a Crown witness. A DNA profile that corresponded to Samson’s DNA was obtained from a blood transfer stain observed at the front of the top cutlery drawer in the kitchen, Gillespie said.

Wilson’s naked body was found on a bed and DNA corresponding to Wilson was found at the foot of the bed, in the shower, on bedding, on the walls and on the carpet, he said.

There were six small blood spatter stains on the bedroom ceiling, he said.

In earlier evidence, the jury heard from detective Aarron Dempsey that Wilson had extensive injuries to her head, torso, legs and right arm.

During their investigation, police found a black-handled knife in the area of Oreti River in Invercargill, and a piece of black plastic in the motel unit.

The piece of plastic and the knife were a conclusive fit, Gillespie said.

Dempsey told the jury there was a positive test for the presence of blood, showing a dragging-like pattern near the foot of the bed. Under cross-examination, he said the dragging or skidding marks could have been from furniture moving.

Defence lawyer Judith Ablett-Kerr, QC, also asked Dempsey about him and two other officers putting on their protective booties away from the unit. Dempsey had walked across grass in his booties before going into the crime scene.

Under re-examination, Dempsey said he had requested the booties at the police station. ‘‘Wearing them to the scene was the best option and I stand by that decision,’’ he said. The trial is expected to continue today.