Court Filing
EXHIBIT S-12 Amended Supplemental Expert Disclosure: Stephanie Wilt The State has previously disclosed Stephanie Wilt, Forensic Scientist, as an expert witness in the field of forensic biology and DNA, which includes, but in no way is limited to, DNA extraction and quantification. The State hereby incorporates its previous responses and attachments filed on December 18, 2024, and its hereby supplementing those responses as follows. Wilt can be expected to testify about trace evidence, as well as the presumptive testing for the presence of blood. A presumptive blood test is a preliminary screening test used to indicate the possible presence of blood. Presumptive testing is performed by taking a small sample of a suspected bloodstain and adding chemicals (Orthotolidine). If a color change occurs within 1 minute, the stain is presumptive positive. If no color change occurs, the stain is presumptive negative. Additionally, Wilt may discuss lab protocols and procedures including collection (including swabbing), examination, consumption, and the disposition of evidence. Examining evidence is done to identify biological stains or material present on items and collect samples for DNA. Consumption of evidence is using an entire sample for DNA testing. This is typically utilized when a low-level of DNA is anticipated. More specifically, Miller will provide an explanation of what DNA is, how DNA can be collected, and how DNA can be used. Wilt can also discuss DNA to the following extent: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is genetic material contained in cells that may be utilized for human identification. DNA may be present on an item in the form of biological materials EXHIBIT S-12 STATE'S EXHIBIT exhibitsticker.com Amended Supplemental Expert Disclosure: Stephanie Wilt (Sealed) 1 S-12 CR01-24-31665 such as blood, semen, and saliva or may be left on an item when it is handled. Biological evidence and possible / potential DNA evidence is collected for preservation and may be sent for further testing by qualified analysts. DNA can be collected by swabbing an item or by taking a cutting directly from an item. Reference DNA samples can be collected directly from individuals. DNA can be used to identify individuals, link individuals to crime scenes, link crime scenes, as well as exclude individuals from DNA profiles that we obtain. Wilt will also testify about what trace evidence is, and how it is collected for analysis. Trace biological evidence includes skin cells or hair. Skin cells are collected by swabbing areas of interest and hairs can be collected by manually removing them from an item. Wilt will testify that she swabbed item 1 (KA-BAR knife sheath) for DNA collection. Wilt's testimony will include how the item was examined, what observations were made prior to collection, and how the different areas of item 1 were swabbed separately (item 1.1: swab of front strap; item 1.2 swab of edges on handle portion; item 1.3 swab of edges on blade portion; item 1.4 swabs of stains on back). Wilt will testify that she forwarded the swabs from item 1 along for DNA analysis. Wilt's involvement regarding item 1 can be found in Report 1 (Bates Pages 265-266). Report 1 contains several photos of item 1 that may be used to aid Wilt's testimony. Wilt swabbed many items for DNA analysis in this case, which items are described in Report 3 (Bates Pages 492-506), Report 8 (Bates Pages 507-511), Report 9 (Bates Pages 512-523), Report 14 (Bates Pages 5647-5661), Report 22 (Bates Pages 5684-5720), Report 29 (Bates Pages 9309-9313), Report 33 (Bates Pages 14299-14309), and Report 35 (Bates Pages 14630-14640). However, the State intends to explore Report 1 during Wilt's testimony the most extensively. EXHIBIT S-12 Amended Supplemental Expert Disclosure: Stephanie Wilt (Sealed) 2