Forensic evidence challenged in Klansman trial over Zamari McKay murder

Defence attorneys in the Klansman trial mounted a forceful cross-examination on Wednesday, questioning a witness about his investigation into the robbery and murder of Zamari McKay and the way forensic material was handled.

Attorney Paul Gentles focused on evidence processing, including DNA tests said to have been done on identification cards and on the marina used to bind the victim's feet. During the questioning, the witness accepted that, at the time, he had not treated the marina as an item that could possibly carry the killer's DNA. He also acknowledged that he had no scientific evidence tying anyone to McKay's murder.

The exchange became sharper when attorney Linden Wellesley continued the cross-examination and accused the officer of being disingenuous. The witness denied that allegation. Wellesley challenged the reliability of the officer's account, pointing to differences between his written statement and what he told the court.

The attorney highlighted issues involving dates and matters he said were left out, including an NCB card and a question-and-answer session with the now-deceased Paul Pennants. Wellesley suggested that the officer had either failed to put the truth in his statement or was not giving truthful evidence in court.

The witness said the matters raised were oversights and maintained that the account he gave from the witness box was accurate. He also rejected the suggestion that his testimony could not be trusted.

The evidence relates to counts 28 and 29, which concern the August 2022 robbery and murder of Zamari McKay. Carlos Williams, Jeremy Clark and Owen Billings are the accused men charged under those counts.