Advertisement

Jurors in Derek Saretzky triple-murder trial visibly upset as more disturbing evidence is shown

Click to play video: 'RCMP forensic investigators testify at Derek Saretzky triple-murder trial'
RCMP forensic investigators testify at Derek Saretzky triple-murder trial
WATCH ABOVE: Jurors at the triple-murder trial of Derek Saretzky were taken through details of the campsite where remains of two-year-old Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette were found. Nancy Hixt explains the testimony. WARNING: Discretion advised – Jun 20, 2017

WARNING: This story contains violent, graphic details. Discretion is advised.

Jurors became visibly upset Tuesday at the triple-murder trial of Derek Saretzky as an RCMP forensic investigator took them through photographs of “the ranch”– the rural location in Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass where the remains of two-year old Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette were found.

Saretzky, 24, is charged with first-degree murder in the September 2015 deaths of Hailey and her father Terry Blanchette, who was 27, in the southern Alberta community of Blairmore. He is also accused of killing 69-year-old Hanne Meketech, who was found dead five days earlier in her mobile home in nearby Coleman, Alta.

READ MORE: Aunt testifies Derek Saretzky was acting strangely in days leading up to deaths of Hailey, Terry Blanchette

Sgt. David Westin was called to the campsite Sept. 15, 2015. He said he spent three days sifting through ashes seized from the firepit.

Story continues below advertisement

“When we got there, the fire was still hot, still burning,” he said, noting he burned his hands as he worked to retrieve evidence.

Watch below: Global’s ongoing coverage of the case

He told the jury a tent was set up over the pit to protect it from weather and media helicopters flying overhead.

Numerous bone fragments and at least one tooth were found among the ashes. Westin said these items were handled with extreme care, adding “they were very fragile.”

A pot found on a nearby picnic table had several red stains and was swabbed for DNA. According to an agreed statement of facts, the DNA came back as a match to Hailey.

READ MORE: Derek Saretzky trial – court hears accused murderer re-enacted child’s killing for police

Multiple weapons were also seized and photographed, including a hatchet, a utility knife or box-cutter, a crowbar, a hammer and axes.

Story continues below advertisement

Court heard it was Derek’s cousin Shane Koinberg who called 911 and alerted police of suspicious activity at the campsite.

RCMP Const. Christopher Girard said Koinberg approached him on his way to the Blairmore detatchment and said he found something “weird.”

Girard drove to the campsite. He said he had no cellphone service, so he had to leave to alert the “command triangle” what had been discovered.

READ MORE: Derek Saretzky video confession played at triple-murder trial

RCMP Const. James McConnell said he videotaped Saretzky doing a re-enactment of his alleged crimes on Sept. 15, 2015.

Two days later, McConnell retraced the route to measure both distance as well as time it took to drive from Saretzky’s apartment, to Blanchette’s home, to “the ranch” where Hailey’s remains were found. He testified it was a 9.7-kilometre drive and took approximately 19 minutes.

On Wednesday, the jury is expected to hear from the final witnesses for the prosecution. Among those will be Cheyenne Dunbar, Hailey’s mother.

No word yet if defence will call any evidence.

Saretzky has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Sponsored content

AdChoices