MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — The latest in Jeffrey Willis’ trial for the murder of Rebekah Bletsch:
12 p.m. – Defense attorney Fred Johnson says he plans to call four or five witnesses, including Willis’ cousin, Kevin Bluhm. However, Bluhm may envoke his Fifth Amendment right to protect against self-incrimination, and not testify.
It’s unclear if Johnson will call Willis to the stand.
11:45 a.m. – The prosecution has rested their case. The judge has ordered testimony on the defense’s behalf to resume at 2 p.m.
11 a.m. – Testimony resumes. Schmitt says a swab of the door lock on Willis’ van showed no alleged victim DNA.
10:15 a.m. – Schmitt determined Bletsch’s daughter was the “major donor” of the DNA found on the headphones, but not other items swabbed at the murder scene.
The judge has ordered a break so he can handle other cases. It’s unclear when testimony will resume.
10 a.m. – Prosecutor D.J. Hilson has called his final witness to the stand: DNA analysis expert Michelle Schmitt.
Schmitt analyzed swabbings from items at the Bletsch murder scene. She says none of the swabs in the rape kit tested positive for seminal fluid or semen.