GUILTY Canada - Amber Kirwan, 19, New Glasgow, NS, 9 Oct 2011 - #2

[Truth Prevails]

Natasha made it in--she will put out as many facts as she can.
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Natasha Pace‏@NatashaPace4m

Donald and Marjorie Kirwan are sitting in the back row of the courtroom, near door, prior to today they had been in the front row.


Natasha Pace‏@NatashaPace6m

I have a seat in the #Falconer trial, many others do not. Line of spectators extends through the courthouse.

https://twitter.com/NatashaPace

 

[Truth Prevails]

Cory McGraw‏@McgrawCory5m

For the third day in a row Sheriffs had to turn some people away, including media. @globalhalifax pic.twitter.com/ZsvQwugjxX

https://twitter.com/McgrawCory

 

[Truth Prevails]

Natasha Pace‏@NatashaPace1m

Judge says member of public took picture yesterday inside court, no more phones allowed.

https://twitter.com/NatashaPace

 

[Truth Prevails]

Well, this doesn't seem to be who we were expecting, but court is in session and first witness has been called.

(My computer is not working great today, so if I disappear that's my reason.)

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC1m

Sgt. Darlene MacEachern called to stand.

https://twitter.com/AngMacIvorCBC

 

[Truth Prevails]

Okay, I see now. She is the RCMP forensics identification officer.
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Cory McGraw‏@McgrawCory10m

Sgt. Darlene MacEachern is first witness of the day. She is an RCMP forensics ident officer. @globalhalifax pic.twitter.com/ChVwYgnRBv

https://twitter.com/McgrawCory

 

[homefront]

Natasha Pace‏@NatashaPace1m

Judge says member of public took picture yesterday inside court, no more phones allowed.

https://twitter.com/NatashaPace

Will this prevent the tweet updates?

 

[Truth Prevails]

This witness hasn't finished her testimony, but they are on break. I will up date this with her remaining testimony asap.
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Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
Crown asks for break to allow everyone to catch their breath after hearing difficult testimony.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC5m
MacEachern says defensive wounds were on victim's hands.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC5m
Some jury members look disturbed as they look through autopsy photos.
Expand Collapse

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC1m
Sgt. MacEachern says there was a wound on left chest area.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC2m
Sgt. MacEachern says another tattoo was a "series of stars"

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
Sgt. MacEachern says one of tattoos on victim was a butterfly.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC4m
MacEachern says a piece of the black sweater was found in camper trailer police had previously examined.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC5m
Sgt. MacEachern says a black sweater was also with body. It was tied around victim's wrists. A piece of the sweater was missing.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC6m
MacEachern says a black and blue shirt was with body. It had been ripped.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC7m
Sgt. MacEachern says there was a price tag on the towel.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC8m
MacEachern describes towel as "multi-coloured towel."

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC10m
Sgt. MacEachern says knots were tied on towel.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC10m
Sgt. MacEachern says a silver piece of duct tape was found on black sweater.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC11m
Sgt. MacEachern says there were also wounds in upper right neck and shoulder area.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC4m
Sgt. MacEachern says there was a wound in upper back area.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC5m
MacEachern says there were layers of mud on the body.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC5m
MacEachern is now describing the autopsy.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC7m
MacEachern attended the autopsy in Halifax on Nov. 7, 2011.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC8m
MacEachern says around both wrists, there was a black sweater as well as a black and blue shirt and a towel tied up.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC9m
Body was taken out and placed on tarp.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC9m
MacEachern says she began to see the body. Clothing was up towards head and shoulder area.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC10m
Sgt. MacEachern says a tattoo was visible on a foot. Some clothing also detected.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC11m
MacEachern says officers came in to sift through soil. The forensic anthropologist was also there.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC12m
Soon after they saw an outline of body.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC12m
She says when they dug down about 12 inches or so, they saw grey flesh. This was a sign that a body was there.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC13m
Sgt. MacEachern says they began doing "test probing" to see if there were any disturbances in the ground.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC15m
MacEachern says a grid was made around area officers planned to dig.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC15m
MacEachern looks at photo of a birch tree that signalled to officers where they were directed to search.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC17m
Sgt. MacEachern took most of these photos. Right now looking at pictures of logging road area.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
Sgt. MacEachern now asked to look at tab titled "remains"

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC6m
Sgt. MacEachern took photos at scene on logging road. Photo exhibits now being handed out to jury.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC7m
Sgt. MacEachern was in charge of the scene at first.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC7m
MacEachern says she arrived on logging road approx. 10 am on Nov. 5, 2011.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC8m
Sgt. MacEachern says she asked her team to cut back branches so they could get into logging road in Heathbell.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC9m
Sgt. MacEachern says a meeting to discuss Heathbell search was held at NG police station, then team headed out.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC10m
Side note: I noticed Chris Falconer smile for the first time when he saw his family. The first time he's changed his expression all week.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC12m
Sgt. MacEachern says officers looked for interior and trunk of car for evidence.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC13m
Sgt. MacEachern says a vehicle- a red Ford Focus- was seized a couple days later. That vehicle belonged to Mason Campbell.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC14m
Sgt. MacEachern did not attend the scene at that time, but she did understand the significance of evidence seized.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC15m
Sgt, MacEachern says on Oct. 15, 2011 she was told her colleague was involved with a search and seizure of clothing in Heathbell.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC17m
MacEachern says the station is also kept clean so evidence can be examined.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC18m
Sgt. MacEachern says making sure evidence is not contaminated is key at crime scene.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC21m
Sgt. MacEachern collects evidence at crime scenes.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC23m
As Sgt. MacEachern provides her professional background, 5 sheriffs keep close watch in the #Pictou court room.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC25m
Sgt. MacEachern is with the RCMP based in Bible Hill.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC26m
Sgt. Darlene MacEachern called to stand.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC33m
The 16th witness, Sgt. Darlene MacEachern, should be called momentarily in Falconer case.

https://twitter.com/AngMacIvorCBC

 

[Truth Prevails]

Will this prevent the tweet updates?

Nope, it doesn't seem to be. I think they allowed the reporters to keep their's, just no members of the public.

I was worried, too!

I noticed the pictures the reporters take are taken just before they go into the court room.

 

[Bravo]

I cant believe somebody in the Public actually took a pic in the Courtroom yesterday. What disrespect to Amber, her Family, friends and the Court :banghead:

 

[Truth Prevails]

Cory McGraw‏@McgrawCory6m

Marjorie Kirwan, Ambers mother, has been present for entire testimony by forensics officer. @globalhalifax pic.twitter.com/qrU1WB8WSj

https://twitter.com/McgrawCory

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Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC4m

Donald Kirwan sits forward with his head down in the back of court room as he hears details about his daughter's ripped clothing.

https://twitter.com/AngMacIvorCBC

 

[Truth Prevails]

I cant believe somebody in the Public actually took a pic in the Courtroom yesterday. What disrespect to Amber, her Family, friends and the Court :banghead:

They probably just didn't know the rules.

I know that's hard to believe, but I bet this is the first trial many of these people have ever attended.

 

[Truth Prevails]

My heart goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Kirwan.
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Cory McGraw‏@McgrawCory3m

Amber's father, Don, also present to hear details of how his daughters remains were found. @globalhalifax pic.twitter.com/NZs0LIIw5j

https://twitter.com/McgrawCory

 

[Truth Prevails]

Natasha Pace‏@NatashaPace16m

Many of the jury members clearly upset by the evidence they're seeing, some appear to be sobbing.

https://twitter.com/NatashaPace

 

[Truth Prevails]

I thought this was important to note. Mr. Beswick finally got in after the break.
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CH_Aaron Beswick‏@CH_ABeswick4m

Crown is not connecting the evidence found to where it comes from now - likely leve that toxicology and textile experts yet to testify

https://twitter.com/CH_ABeswick

 

[Bravo]

Natasha Pace‏@NatashaPace16m

Many of the jury members clearly upset by the evidence they're seeing, some appear to be sobbing.

https://twitter.com/NatashaPace

Oh gawd my heart goes out to the Jurors as well.

 

[Truth Prevails]

Due to the length of Sgt. Darlene MacEachern's testimony, I thought I would make a new post. This is the portion from after morning break until noon recess. She doesn't appear to be finished yet.

Trial will resume at 2 pm AST, or 1 pm EST.
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Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC28s
Lunch break. Falconer trial will resume at 2 pm.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
Sgt. MacEachern now looking at photos of downtown NG.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC1m
Sgt. MacEachern says fingerprints were found on plastic Sobey's bag seized from car.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC2m
Sgt. MacEachern says other blood spots were found on the car.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
Sgt. MacEachern says dirt was also on black tank top as well as pieces of leaves.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC4m
Sgt. MacEachern says a brownish-red stain was on shirt.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC6m
The black shirt tested positive for blood, according to Sgt. MacEachern.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC6m
Photos of black tank top seized from car now being shown.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC7m
MacEachern says "a white powdery substance" was found in green pill bottle.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC8m
Everyone in court can see photos of these items. MacEachern is referring to a big poster board.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC8m
A piece of paper with phone number and name Virginia also found in car.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC30s
Pill bottle found in bag too.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC1m
An electric toothbrush and pair of scissors also found in plastic bag seized from Chev impala. This was the car Falconer was known to drive.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC1m
MacEachern says twist ties and pieces of paper also in bag.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC2m
Other garbage items also found in bag,

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC4m
MacEachern says a black tank top, a sandwich wrapper, and empty cardboard box was found in bag.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC1m
Sgt. MacEachern says a plastic bag was found on floor by passenger seat. It contained many items.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC2m
Falconer is shifting in his seat as he hears Sgt. MacEachern list fingerprints found in car.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
MacEachern says a palm print was found on clear garbage bag.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC4m
The items were tested for fingerprints. 5 prints found.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC4m
MacEachern says a laptop and clear garbage bag with duct tape was seized.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC7m
Sgt. MacEachern says vehicle was processed.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC8m
Sgt. MacEachern says search warrant was obtained for car on Nov. 7, 2011- the same day as autopsy,

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC1m
MacEachern says a silver chev impala was also seized.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC2m
The towel tested positive for blood.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
One of towels found in trailer was tested for blood.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
MacEachern says towels found in camper and on Kirwan's body all look very similar.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC9m
Sgt. MacEachern says the second piece of duct tape, which was found on counter of trailer, had hairs and fibres.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC10m
Sgt. MacEachern says size and shape of letters on stamp were consistent with imprint found on duct tape in trailer.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC1m
Sgt. MacEachern now talking about Dooly's stamp. She seized one from bar to analyze. It was also blue ink.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
The ink with reversed word "Dooly's" was on duct tape.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
Then MacEachern realized it was a reversed impression of the word Dooly's
Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC4m
Sgt. MacEachern says as she started examining duct tape, she noticed what looked like blue ink.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC55s
MacEachern says the duct tape was layers and layers. At least 7 layers and it was all twisted and stuck together.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC2m
Yellow string with purple fibres also attached to duct tape.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
MacEachern says several fibres and hairs were found on duct tape.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC5m
Sgt. MacEachern now being asked by crown to look at more photos of items seized. These photos were taken at police lab.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC8m
Sgt. MacEachern says more duct tape found on counter top in kitchen area.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC9m
Sgt. MacEachern says hairs were seized from headboard of bed in camper trailer.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC11m
MacEachern describes several blankets also removed as well as a foam mattress.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC12m
MacEachern says towels found in trailer were similar in colour, size and texture as towel found on body.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC19s
Many other items seized too, including two colourful towels.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC1m
Sgt. MacEachern says a water bottle and soda bottle were also seized and examined.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
MacEachern says a piece of black cloth found in bedroom of trailer.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC6m
Sgt. MacEachern says duct tape was found in trailer and later examined.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC7m
Sgt. MacEachern describes trailer as having one bedroom and one bathroom. It had kitchen area too.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC10m
Sgt. MacEachern still hasn't said what brought RCMP to this particular property.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC11m
Sgt. MacEachern describes inside of camper trailer.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC2m
MacEachern explains there was a 2x4 holding one of doors to camper trailer closed.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC3m
MacEachern explains aerial photos she took of area around Hardwood Hill Road. A mobile home and camper trailer are in picture.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC5m
The Hardwood Hill home is about 2 km from site where Kirwan's body was found.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC6m
Sgt. MacEachern says she attended residence at 976 Hardwood Hills Rd between Nov. 8- Nov. 13, 2011.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC9m
Sgt. MacEachern says a urine sample was taken and two blood samples.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC12m
Sgt. MacEachern says the blue and black shirt was cut.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC15m
Donald Kirwan sits forward with his head down in the back of court room as he hears details about his daughter's ripped clothing.

Angela MacIvor‏@AngMacIvorCBC20m
Sgt. MacEachern resumes testimony.

https://twitter.com/AngMacIvorCBC

 

[Truth Prevails]

CH_Aaron Beswick‏@CH_ABeswick3m

In opening statement crown said the pill bottle contained trace amounts of codeine - which Amber's body was flooded with

https://twitter.com/CH_ABeswick

 

[Bravo]

They probably just didn't know the rules.

I know that's hard to believe, but I bet this is the first trial many of these people have ever attended.

Agree. I do want to add tho my first Trial it was clearly posted at the security check. I had to show the Officers my cell was shut off. Verbal reminder again. Lined up outside the Courtroom door another check point. Again another verbal reminder. Sign posted. Court Officer who let us in also gave us another reminder of all the rules and especially out of respect to let all Family members exit first at breaks. I hope it was a case of somebody just forgetting or not knowing.

 

[Bravo]

Somewhere in my head I pray Amber was so dosed with codeine she didn't feel much lease:

 

[Bravo]

What time are we back from lunch? I have to head out later today.