📂 Monday, May 8, 1995 — Day 69
◀ Criminal Trial
📅 Monday, May 8, 1995 16 proceedings 1371 utterances
Address:
C:\DEPT103\CRIMINAL\1995\MAY\8
TRIAL
▲ Day 69 of 167

Day 69 — Monday, May 8, 1995

Bronco chain of custody questioned; DNA expert begins foundation
Judge Lance A. Ito • Criminal Trial • 16 proceedings • 1371 utterances
procedural

The prosecution's physical evidence foundation shifted from the Bronco's transportation to DNA science. After tow truck driver Bernie Douroux testified about retrieving the Bronco from Rockingham, Johnnie Cochran's cross-examination systematically undermined the chain of custody—establishing that the vehicle was left unattended near media and the inventory form was pre-filled before Douroux ever touched it. The afternoon pivoted to DNA as Dr. Robin Cotton, a Cellmark Diagnostics laboratory director, began extensive foundational testimony on DNA structure and RFLP typing methodology, educating the jury through detailed diagrams and physical exhibits.

  • Bernie Douroux testified the Bronco was locked and undamaged when retrieved from 360 North Rockingham on June 13, 1994
  • Cochran established Douroux never carefully inspected the Bronco and left it unattended outside Parker Center for approximately three minutes with media present
  • Douroux confirmed the LAPD inventory form had been pre-filled before he ever touched the vehicle
  • Douroux testified he observed no blood inside, outside, or in the rear of the Bronco
  • Dr. Robin Cotton began extensive DNA foundational testimony covering chromosomes, base pairing, and DNA variation
  • Cotton walked the jury through the first eight steps of RFLP typing methodology using diagrams and physical exhibits including an actual nylon membrane and autoradiograph
  • Judge Ito noted a modified court schedule due to a funeral and scheduled a hearing on photographs for 8:00 AM the following morning
Day 69 • 16 proceedings • 1371 utterances
Criminal Trial
Department 103
⚖️ Start
📂 Day 69 — MAY 8, 1995
MAY 8, 1995 KRT DvH TD