Blood on exhibits and outside cell was Mario Deane's, says forensic expert
Published:Thursday | May 1, 2025 | 1:02 PM
The prosecution's latest forensic witness in the Mario Deane trial today told the Westmoreland Circuit Court that blood samples taken from outside his cell at the Barnett Street Police Station lock-up and from two submitted exhibits belonged to the deceased man.
Anika Lowe, senior forensic science officer at the Forensic Institute's DNA unit, was continuing her evidence-in-chief in the trial of Corporal Elaine Stewart and constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant, who are charged in relation to Deane's death.
Lowe told the court that Deane's DNA profile was established based on blood samples found on a wall outside his cell, a pair of shorts taken from inmate Adrian Morgan, and fingernail clippings taken from Deane's left hand.
The DNA profile was further established following an analysis of DNA from swabs from inside the mouth of Deane's mother Mercia Fraser, Lowe explained.
Based on Fraser's DNA matching the DNA found on the other items, it was concluded that she was the mother of the source of the other DNA profile, and that Deane was the source of that DNA.
Under cross-examination from defence attorney Dalton Reid, Lowe admitted that the matching of Deane's DNA with Fraser's was done without comparison to any DNA samples from Deane's father.
The trial continues later today, with a doctor from the Cornwall Regional Hospital, where Deane died on August 6, 2014, expected to testify.
Stewart, Clevon, and Grant are charged with manslaughter and misconduct in a public office, arising from Deane's death.
Stewart is also charged with perverting the course of justice, under allegations that she ordered the cleaning of the cell where Deane was beaten, prior to the arrival of investigators from the Independent Commission of Investigations.
- Christopher Thomas
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