Watch testimony streaming live here on woodtv.com beginning around 1 p.m.
(WOOD) — The latest in the trial of Jeffrey Willis, who is charged with kidnapping and murdering Jessica Heeringa:
11:45 a.m. – Lt. Goff with the Michigan State Police is now testifying. He works in forensics, specifically in handwriting analysis.
He said based on his expertise, Willis’ handwriting matched the handwritten list found in the trash can.In cross-examination, Goff confirms handwriting can be impacted by looking at the original document while you’re providing a sample. He says people commonly attempt to disguise their handwriting. He says that’s why they gather previous samples of handwriting.
The judge orders a break for lunch. Testimony is cheduled to resume at 1 p.m.
11 a.m.– Zachary Sparks with the Michigan State Police is testifying. He helped pull over Jeffrey Willis.
Sparks helped investigate Willis’ grandfather’s home at 3038 Bailey Street, after relatives told investigators Willis “had control” of the property.
Sparks testifies about finding a handwritten list in a trash can at Bailey Street. The list is broken into three sections.
The clothes section includes “underwear & her panties,””coat?” and “hoodie.” Heeringa’s boyfriend previously testified she preferred to wear hooded sweatshirts.
A second section contains small camera, big camera, small tripod?, big tripod?, gas can, matches, lube, video from house if any, crowbar
The third section labeled “kit” includes sex toys, needles, zip ties, hook and rope.
Sparks says he obtained samples of Willis’ writing, which matched the handwritten list.
Investigator photos show three padlocks on entryways to the Bailey Street home. All opened with keys on one keychain.
A photo of the house basement shows
“It seemed unusual that there was so many cleaning materials gathered in one corner of the room,” Sparks said.
He said the cleaners included Tide with bleach powder and bleach bottles, which were all empty. Sparks said there was no evidence of water damage in the basement.
Sparks says he never found any toy or Airsoft guns.
Sparks testifies the first search of the Bailey Street home was May 17, 2016.
Johnson points out spray paint on the wall of the basement – possible graffiti. He’s trying to explain why Willis may have padlocks on the house.
The judge orders a 10 minute break.