PENTICTON — The jury in a double-murder trial heard strong DNA evidence that links the accused, John Ike Koopmans, with one of the victims. Koopmans is accused of shooting and killing two of his friends, Robert Keith Wharton and Rosemary Fox, near Princeton in 2013.
READ MORE: POLICE BLOOD STAIN EXPERT TESTIFIES AT PENTICTON MURDER TRIAL
Earlier in the trial, a RCMP blood stain expert testified there were blood spatter drops on Koopmans’ jeans.
A DNA expert took the stand today to reveal whose blood was found.
Christine Crossman with the National Forensic Laboratory Services testified that some of the blood and DNA belonged to Koopmans, but the other samples belonged to Wharton.
“The only two DNA matches on the jeans were Koopmans’ and Wharton’s, but there was indication of mixture which may or may not have been somebody else,” said Crossman.
The blood droplets ranged from a few centimeters to less than a millimeter.
Wharton’s DNA was also found on Koopmans’ jacket.
Fox’s DNA was not found on any of Koopman’s clothing. This was also the case for lone shooting survivor Bradley Martin. His DNA was also absent from Koopman’s clothing.
Instead, much of Martin’s blood was found inside and outside the Princeton home.
The jury also heard about ammunition that was found in a home belonging to Koopman’s girlfriend.
The expert testified that Koopman’s DNA was found on those unused bullets.
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