Next witness via Zoom: William Tobin, an expert on Firearms/Toolmarks.
Here is continued testimony after lunch recess.
Colin Strickland has entered the building.
Strickland is inside the witness room just outside the courtroom. Court is back in session with the state beginning its redirect of Mr. Tobin.Tobin says he did not look at any of the evidence in this case. Tobin says he is getting paid for testifying on behalf of the defense.
He is being paid $5,000 to testify. In 2022, Tobin says he testified in about six cases. Even if he doesn't testify, he still gets paid.
The state is asking about his experience and professional positions, dating all the way back to the 1960s. Testing his knowledge and expertise.
The state is reading word-for-word a publication from 1984 that Tobin had co-authored. The state is trying to show that Tobin's previous research is the baseline for which ATFE conducts its business of tool mark exams.
Tobin acknowledges that firearm and tool mark examination courses are offered at universities across the country, including his alma mater, George Washington University. He calls any class that offers a "forensic" approach a revenue-driver and has no basis in scientific reasoning.
Tobin has said the scientific community is universally behind him in his beliefs about the inconsistencies and shortcomings of the AFTE methodology. But the State is now reading word-for-word from journals and papers from several leading DNA experts, scientists and doctors who have published studies disagreeing with Tobin's assessments.
Tobin clarifies that the consensus he speaks about comes not from the entire scientific community, but from those who study firearms and tool marks.
State says it's going to try to wrap up in the next 10 minutes. Collective sigh of relief from the gallery.
State continues to quote word-for-word from various reports and papers. Even quoting from Tobin's own testimony in front of Congress.No further questions. Witness is excused. Everyone is happy it's finally over.
Next witness: Colin Strickland. Here we go.
