By Faaria Kherani
The defense in the trial of a teen accused of murdering a WABC newsman in a sexual encounter gone wrong challenged the post-crime investigation today, suggesting that it was done selectively to place the defendant in a negative light.
Defendant John Katehis, 18, is on trial for second-degree murder in the stabbing death of 47-year-old George Weber on March 20, 2009.
Detective Arthur Connolly, a police department fingerprint specialist, testified today that fingerprints belonging to four different people were found at the crime scene, and that none of the fingerprints lifted from the blood-covered bathroom were identifiable. Connolly testified that Katehis’s fingerprints appeared only on the bottom of a TV box and on a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka.
During cross-examination, Defense Attorney Jeffrey Schwartz questioned why investigators at the crime scene had not checked the alleged murder weapon, a knife, for fingerprints or established its connection to the crime.
The prosecution also presented medical records showing that Katehis tested negative for cocaine the evening of the crime. That contradicted a statement by the defendant to police that Weber had given him cocaine, which made him “paranoid.”
After the judge sent the jury out of the courtroom, Schwartz said the gathering of fingerprints was selective not only because the knife was not tested, but also because key objects—such as condom wrappers and a bottle of lubricant—were not tested for prints.
Schwartz said he may present testimony by Katehis’s father, claiming that there was a second knife in the room, allegedly on a table, that was never collected by the detectives. Schwartz also said Katehis was not swabbed for other sexual bodily fluids on the night of the crime. Schwartz said investigators’ actions at the crime scene indicate they played what he called “count the cuts,” which dictates the person with the most injuries is the victim.
Katehis, in contrast to his jocular manner yesterday, today remained solemn, staring at the desk. He turned around occasionally to his family who were seated in the second row, but did not smile. Judge Firetog allowed Katehis to have a brief visit with his family in the courtroom. After speaking for less than a minute with his little sister, Katehis asked to leave. A female voice rang out, “I love you,” as he was handcuffed and led out.
The judge said he expected testimony to end on Monday afternoon, and the case will be turned over to the jury by Tuesday morning.
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