The link was a short video. The witnesses were Connie Bennett, Bruce's mom and Richard Trout, one of the first firefighter's on scene that day. Vanessa Bennett briefly took the stand afterwards testifying she didn't remember anything.
GUILTY CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
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Got an alert with this article for yesterday.
Bennett family murders: Alex Ewing trial updates | 9news.com
July 28, 2021
The defense had objected to the video, arguing that video footage of seven-year-old Melissa Bennett was repetitive and "overly prejudicial."
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — For 20 minutes and 24 seconds Wednesday morning, the courtroom was utterly still as jurors watched video footage of the crime scene where a couple and their young daughter were murdered in January 1984.
The video began outside the split-level home where Bruce and Debra Bennett and their daughter, Melissa, died, then moved inside and methodically took the jurors room-by-room through the scene.
[.....]
After the video was played, the rest of the day featured testimony from retired police detectives who had responded to the Bennett family’s home in the 16300 block of East Center Drive on Jan. 16, 1984, the day the bodies were discovered.
Bennett family murders: Alex Ewing trial updates | 9news.com
July 28, 2021
The defense had objected to the video, arguing that video footage of seven-year-old Melissa Bennett was repetitive and "overly prejudicial."
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — For 20 minutes and 24 seconds Wednesday morning, the courtroom was utterly still as jurors watched video footage of the crime scene where a couple and their young daughter were murdered in January 1984.
The video began outside the split-level home where Bruce and Debra Bennett and their daughter, Melissa, died, then moved inside and methodically took the jurors room-by-room through the scene.
[.....]
After the video was played, the rest of the day featured testimony from retired police detectives who had responded to the Bennett family’s home in the 16300 block of East Center Drive on Jan. 16, 1984, the day the bodies were discovered.
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Thursday, July 29th:
*Trial continues (Day 3) (Arapahoe Co.) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21 (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 reference post #299 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
7/27/21 Tuesday, Trial Day 1: 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner gave opening statements for the State. Attorney Stephen McCrohan gave opening statements for defense. State witnesses: Connie Bennett, Bruce Bennett’s mother. Vanessa Bennett, who is now 41 years old, was 3 years back in 1984. First responder, firefighter Richard Trout, now retired. No other info available. Trial continues on 7/28/21.
7/28/21 Wednesday, Trial Day 2: Before the jury had come into the courtroom for the day, defense attorney Stephen McCrohan had objected to playing the portions of the video showing Melissa’s body, saying the jury had already seen photographs of the girl. He argued that the video was repetitive of evidence that had already been admitted & was “overly prejudicial in comparison to the probative value.” “Certainly, the video will be somewhat disturbing – but of course all of the evidence in this case is disturbing, based on the nature of the crime here,” Judge Darren Vahle said. “Really, this is perhaps the best evidence of the scene as they found it.” He concluded that the video had “significant probative value” & at the same time was “prejudicial.” Prosecutor showed the video to jurors (only). After the video was played, the rest of the day featured testimony from retired police detectives who had responded to the Bennett family’s home. Retired police detective Walter Moeller. Retired. Aurora police detective Wilson Egan, the lead investigator on the case. No other info available yet. Trial continues on 7/29/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
*Trial continues (Day 3) (Arapahoe Co.) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21 (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 reference post #299 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
7/27/21 Tuesday, Trial Day 1: 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner gave opening statements for the State. Attorney Stephen McCrohan gave opening statements for defense. State witnesses: Connie Bennett, Bruce Bennett’s mother. Vanessa Bennett, who is now 41 years old, was 3 years back in 1984. First responder, firefighter Richard Trout, now retired. No other info available. Trial continues on 7/28/21.
7/28/21 Wednesday, Trial Day 2: Before the jury had come into the courtroom for the day, defense attorney Stephen McCrohan had objected to playing the portions of the video showing Melissa’s body, saying the jury had already seen photographs of the girl. He argued that the video was repetitive of evidence that had already been admitted & was “overly prejudicial in comparison to the probative value.” “Certainly, the video will be somewhat disturbing – but of course all of the evidence in this case is disturbing, based on the nature of the crime here,” Judge Darren Vahle said. “Really, this is perhaps the best evidence of the scene as they found it.” He concluded that the video had “significant probative value” & at the same time was “prejudicial.” Prosecutor showed the video to jurors (only). After the video was played, the rest of the day featured testimony from retired police detectives who had responded to the Bennett family’s home. Retired police detective Walter Moeller. Retired. Aurora police detective Wilson Egan, the lead investigator on the case. No other info available yet. Trial continues on 7/29/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
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Friday, July 30th:
*Trial continues (Day 4) (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial to start on 7/27/21 (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-2) 7/27/21 to 7/28/21 reference post #305 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
7/29/21 Thursday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses: No info yet available. Trial continues on Monday, 8/2/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
*Trial continues (Day 4) (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial set to begin on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial to start on 7/27/21 (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-2) 7/27/21 to 7/28/21 reference post #305 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
7/29/21 Thursday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses: No info yet available. Trial continues on Monday, 8/2/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
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Bennett family murders: Similar Lakewood killing the focus | 9news.com
July 29, 2021
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Attorneys for the man accused in the 1984 hammer killings of an Aurora couple and their daughter spent time Thursday drawing distinctions between the police work in that investigation and in a similar killing the previous week on the west side of the metro area.
[.....]
And while the jury will not be told that Ewing is scheduled to go on trial in Smith’s killing in October, a judge ruled that they could be told about it with limitations – “for the purposes of proving identity, for showing modus operandi and common plan, scheme, or design, and to refute any defense of mistake or accident as associated with the DNA evidence.”
more in article. This is for Thursday, 7/29.
July 29, 2021
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Attorneys for the man accused in the 1984 hammer killings of an Aurora couple and their daughter spent time Thursday drawing distinctions between the police work in that investigation and in a similar killing the previous week on the west side of the metro area.
[.....]
And while the jury will not be told that Ewing is scheduled to go on trial in Smith’s killing in October, a judge ruled that they could be told about it with limitations – “for the purposes of proving identity, for showing modus operandi and common plan, scheme, or design, and to refute any defense of mistake or accident as associated with the DNA evidence.”
more in article. This is for Thursday, 7/29.
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Oops - I see I made a mistake - mark it on the calendar - on the info I posted for the trial - it should have said "Trial continues on 7/30/21 - NOT on Monday, 8/2/21. 
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Bennett family murders: Biological evidence key to case | 9news.com
July 30, 2021
Prosecutors say it ties Alex Ewing to the crime, but the defense attorneys question whether the evidence could have been contaminated.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Forensic serology – the analysis of biological evidence – has taken center stage at the trial of a man accused of beating a couple and their daughter to death with a hammer in January 1984.
Biological evidence is critical in the case – prosecutors need to convince the jury there is no innocent explanation for the presence of Alex Christopher Ewing’s DNA at the crime scene while defense attorneys need to cast doubts on the validity of that evidence.
[.....]
And over the past two days, jurors in Ewing’s trial heard more than 3½ hours of detailed testimony from an expert in forensic serology who analyzed much of the evidence early in the investigation.
[.....]
On the stand, Jeanne Kilmer, a longtime forensic serologist who was working at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 1984, recounted going to the Bennett crime scene. There, investigators suspected the carpeting on which Melissa’s body was found may have had semen on it. Kilmer told jurors she personally cut the section of carpet from the floor and took it back to the CBI lab.
But her subsequent test for semen was negative – a point defense attorney Stephen McCrohan hit on in questioning her.
[.....]
There’s a reason McCrohan stressed the failure to locate semen on that carpet in 1984: Follow-up testing done in 1999 found semen on that section of carpeting, and the DNA profile it contained was eventually matched to Ewing in 2018.
Semen was also found on the comforter that covered Melissa – it, too, was matched to Ewing.
[.....]
Kilmer also testified at great length – she spent more than 3½ hours on the stand the past two days – about blood evidence.
[.....]
Kilmer was followed to the stand by longtime police detective Marvin Brandt, who was called to the Bennett home the day the bodies were discovered and later served as the lead detective on the case. He testified at length about various steps he took in the case, including an effort in 1988 and ’89 to go through all the evidence – a process carried out in a secure room in the building where the police department stored evidence.
more in article.
July 30, 2021
Prosecutors say it ties Alex Ewing to the crime, but the defense attorneys question whether the evidence could have been contaminated.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Forensic serology – the analysis of biological evidence – has taken center stage at the trial of a man accused of beating a couple and their daughter to death with a hammer in January 1984.
Biological evidence is critical in the case – prosecutors need to convince the jury there is no innocent explanation for the presence of Alex Christopher Ewing’s DNA at the crime scene while defense attorneys need to cast doubts on the validity of that evidence.
[.....]
And over the past two days, jurors in Ewing’s trial heard more than 3½ hours of detailed testimony from an expert in forensic serology who analyzed much of the evidence early in the investigation.
[.....]
On the stand, Jeanne Kilmer, a longtime forensic serologist who was working at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 1984, recounted going to the Bennett crime scene. There, investigators suspected the carpeting on which Melissa’s body was found may have had semen on it. Kilmer told jurors she personally cut the section of carpet from the floor and took it back to the CBI lab.
But her subsequent test for semen was negative – a point defense attorney Stephen McCrohan hit on in questioning her.
[.....]
There’s a reason McCrohan stressed the failure to locate semen on that carpet in 1984: Follow-up testing done in 1999 found semen on that section of carpeting, and the DNA profile it contained was eventually matched to Ewing in 2018.
Semen was also found on the comforter that covered Melissa – it, too, was matched to Ewing.
[.....]
Kilmer also testified at great length – she spent more than 3½ hours on the stand the past two days – about blood evidence.
[.....]
Kilmer was followed to the stand by longtime police detective Marvin Brandt, who was called to the Bennett home the day the bodies were discovered and later served as the lead detective on the case. He testified at length about various steps he took in the case, including an effort in 1988 and ’89 to go through all the evidence – a process carried out in a secure room in the building where the police department stored evidence.
more in article.
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Monday, August 2nd:
*Trial continues (Day 4) (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21 (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-2) 7/27/21 to 7/28/21 reference post #305 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
7/29/21 Thursday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses: Gary Klepper, crime scene investigator, retired. Chery Lettin, Patricia Smith's daughter recounted the events of Jan. 10, 1984. During her testimony, jurors saw crime scene photos. Jeanne Kilmer, a forensic serologist who was working at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 1984. No other info yet available. Trial continues on 7/30/21.
7/30/21 Friday, Trial Day 4: State witness: Jeanne Kilmer, a forensic serologist (CBI) in 1984. Police detective Marvin Brandt, who was called to the Bennett home the day the bodies were discovered & later served as the lead detective on the case. No other info available. Trial continues on Monday, 8/2/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
*Trial continues (Day 4) (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21 (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-2) 7/27/21 to 7/28/21 reference post #305 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
7/29/21 Thursday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses: Gary Klepper, crime scene investigator, retired. Chery Lettin, Patricia Smith's daughter recounted the events of Jan. 10, 1984. During her testimony, jurors saw crime scene photos. Jeanne Kilmer, a forensic serologist who was working at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 1984. No other info yet available. Trial continues on 7/30/21.
7/30/21 Friday, Trial Day 4: State witness: Jeanne Kilmer, a forensic serologist (CBI) in 1984. Police detective Marvin Brandt, who was called to the Bennett home the day the bodies were discovered & later served as the lead detective on the case. No other info available. Trial continues on Monday, 8/2/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
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Couldn't find anything for Day 5 of trial....
Tuesday, August 3rd:
*Trial continues (Day 6) (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21 (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-4) 7/27/21 to 7/30/21 reference post #310 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
8/20/21 Monday, Trial Day 5: State witness: No info available. Trial continues on 8/3/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
Tuesday, August 3rd:
*Trial continues (Day 6) (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21 (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-4) 7/27/21 to 7/30/21 reference post #310 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
8/20/21 Monday, Trial Day 5: State witness: No info available. Trial continues on 8/3/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2003
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Alex Christopher Ewing trial: jurors hear about DNA evidence | 9news.com
August 2, 2021
Prosecutors focused on how DNA was extracted from items from the Bennetts' home in 2001. Defense attorneys asked why the DNA had not been found in 1984.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Jurors got a crash course in the science of DNA on Monday during testimony in the case against a man accused in the beating deaths of three members of an Aurora family in January 1984.
[.....]
On Monday morning, prosecutors focused on that DNA: how it was extracted from the carpeting and comforter, how evidence in the unsolved murder of a woman in Lakewood six days before the Bennett yielded the same genetic profile, and how it was ultimately linked to Ewing.
Kevin Humphreys, a retired analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, walked the jury through the process of testing cuttings from the carpeting and comforter from Melissa Bennett’s bedroom, and the discovery of DNA from an “unknown male” on both in February 2001.
[.....]
Cynthia Kramer, a forensic biologist and the CBI’s CODIS administrator, described testing evidence from the Lakewood home of Patricia Louise Smith, who was beaten to death with a hammer the week before the Bennett killings.
[.....]
Another witness, Daniell Ann Rhoda from the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, testified that she took Ewing’s DNA in July 2018 by rubbing what was known as a buccal swab around the inside of his mouth. The step was taken by investigators in the Bennett and Smith cases as a way to verify the results that came from the CODIS hit.
August 2, 2021
Prosecutors focused on how DNA was extracted from items from the Bennetts' home in 2001. Defense attorneys asked why the DNA had not been found in 1984.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Jurors got a crash course in the science of DNA on Monday during testimony in the case against a man accused in the beating deaths of three members of an Aurora family in January 1984.
[.....]
On Monday morning, prosecutors focused on that DNA: how it was extracted from the carpeting and comforter, how evidence in the unsolved murder of a woman in Lakewood six days before the Bennett yielded the same genetic profile, and how it was ultimately linked to Ewing.
Kevin Humphreys, a retired analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, walked the jury through the process of testing cuttings from the carpeting and comforter from Melissa Bennett’s bedroom, and the discovery of DNA from an “unknown male” on both in February 2001.
[.....]
Cynthia Kramer, a forensic biologist and the CBI’s CODIS administrator, described testing evidence from the Lakewood home of Patricia Louise Smith, who was beaten to death with a hammer the week before the Bennett killings.
[.....]
Another witness, Daniell Ann Rhoda from the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, testified that she took Ewing’s DNA in July 2018 by rubbing what was known as a buccal swab around the inside of his mouth. The step was taken by investigators in the Bennett and Smith cases as a way to verify the results that came from the CODIS hit.
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Bennett family murders: Prosecution rests case in hammer murders | 9news.com
August 3, 2021
The defense for Alex Christopher Ewing is expected to take about two days to present its case.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Prosecutors brought their case against Alex Christopher Ewing to a close Tuesday morning, using a detailed walk through of genetic evidence to show that his DNA was found inside the home where three members of an Aurora family were murdered in January 1984.
Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a DNA analyst at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was the last of 25 prosecution witnesses called to the stand in Ewing’s trial on multiple counts of first-degree murder in the hammer killings of Bruce and Debra Bennett and their daughter, Melissa.
[.....]
After her testimony, which ran more than three hours, prosecutors rested their case – and defense attorneys moved for a mistrial, arguing that recent testing of some evidence left them unable to provide Ewing with effective assistance. District Judge Darren Vahle denied the motion.
[,,,,,]
Spengler immediately moved for a mistrial, arguing that the defense was handicapped by recent touch DNA testing of evidence in the Smith case. Vahle denied that request – and also denied a defense request to acquit Ewing on all charges after Spengler argued the prosecution had not proved its case.
Defense attorneys have told the judge they need a day or two to present their case.
August 3, 2021
The defense for Alex Christopher Ewing is expected to take about two days to present its case.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Prosecutors brought their case against Alex Christopher Ewing to a close Tuesday morning, using a detailed walk through of genetic evidence to show that his DNA was found inside the home where three members of an Aurora family were murdered in January 1984.
Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a DNA analyst at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was the last of 25 prosecution witnesses called to the stand in Ewing’s trial on multiple counts of first-degree murder in the hammer killings of Bruce and Debra Bennett and their daughter, Melissa.
[.....]
After her testimony, which ran more than three hours, prosecutors rested their case – and defense attorneys moved for a mistrial, arguing that recent testing of some evidence left them unable to provide Ewing with effective assistance. District Judge Darren Vahle denied the motion.
[,,,,,]
Spengler immediately moved for a mistrial, arguing that the defense was handicapped by recent touch DNA testing of evidence in the Smith case. Vahle denied that request – and also denied a defense request to acquit Ewing on all charges after Spengler argued the prosecution had not proved its case.
Defense attorneys have told the judge they need a day or two to present their case.
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Wednesday, August 4th:
*Trial continues (Day 7) (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21 (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-4) 7/27/21 to 7/30/21 reference post #310 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
8/2/21 Monday, Trial Day 5: State witness: Kevin Humphreys, a retired analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, walked the jury through the process of testing cuttings from the carpeting & comforter from Melissa Bennett’s bedroom & the discovery of DNA from an “unknown male” on both in February 2001. Cynthia Kramer, a forensic biologist & the CBI’s CODIS administrator, described testing evidence from the Lakewood home of Patricia Louise Smith. Daniell Ann Rhoda from the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, testified that she took Ewing’s DNA in July 2018 by rubbing what was known as a buccal swab around the inside of his mouth. The step was taken by investigators in the Bennett & Smith cases as a way to verify the results that came from the CODIS hit. No other info available. Trial continues on 8/3/21.
8/3/21 Tuesday Trial Day 6: State witness: Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a DNA analyst at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Prosecutors rested their case – and defense attorneys moved for a mistrial, arguing that recent testing of some evidence left them unable to provide Ewing with effective assistance. District Judge Darren Vahle denied the motion & also denied a defense request to acquit Ewing on all charges after Spengler argued the prosecution had not proved its case. Defense attorneys have told the judge they need a day or two to present their case. Trial continues on 8/4/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
*Trial continues (Day 7) (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21 (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-4) 7/27/21 to 7/30/21 reference post #310 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
8/2/21 Monday, Trial Day 5: State witness: Kevin Humphreys, a retired analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, walked the jury through the process of testing cuttings from the carpeting & comforter from Melissa Bennett’s bedroom & the discovery of DNA from an “unknown male” on both in February 2001. Cynthia Kramer, a forensic biologist & the CBI’s CODIS administrator, described testing evidence from the Lakewood home of Patricia Louise Smith. Daniell Ann Rhoda from the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, testified that she took Ewing’s DNA in July 2018 by rubbing what was known as a buccal swab around the inside of his mouth. The step was taken by investigators in the Bennett & Smith cases as a way to verify the results that came from the CODIS hit. No other info available. Trial continues on 8/3/21.
8/3/21 Tuesday Trial Day 6: State witness: Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a DNA analyst at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Prosecutors rested their case – and defense attorneys moved for a mistrial, arguing that recent testing of some evidence left them unable to provide Ewing with effective assistance. District Judge Darren Vahle denied the motion & also denied a defense request to acquit Ewing on all charges after Spengler argued the prosecution had not proved its case. Defense attorneys have told the judge they need a day or two to present their case. Trial continues on 8/4/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
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Thursday, August 5th:
*Trial continues (Day 8) (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21. State rested their case on 8/3/21. (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-6) 7/27/21 to 8/3/21 reference post #314 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
8/4/21 Wednesday, Trial Day 7: Defense witness: Investigator from Colorado State public defender's office Marjorie Erickson. Carolyn Barker, a former fingerprint examiner for both the Lakewood & Aurora police depts. Barker was the fifth witness called by defense (have no info on these other witnesses). Also Wednesday, with the jury out of the room, District Judge Darren Vahle explained to Ewing that he had a right to testify & that he could even if his attorneys didn’t want him to. Said he will not testify. No other info available. Trial continues on 8/5/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
*Trial continues (Day 8) (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21. State rested their case on 8/3/21. (will last 3 weeks thru 8/17/21).
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-6) 7/27/21 to 8/3/21 reference post #314 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
8/4/21 Wednesday, Trial Day 7: Defense witness: Investigator from Colorado State public defender's office Marjorie Erickson. Carolyn Barker, a former fingerprint examiner for both the Lakewood & Aurora police depts. Barker was the fifth witness called by defense (have no info on these other witnesses). Also Wednesday, with the jury out of the room, District Judge Darren Vahle explained to Ewing that he had a right to testify & that he could even if his attorneys didn’t want him to. Said he will not testify. No other info available. Trial continues on 8/5/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
SDFinColo
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SDFinColo
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The jury says they are at "an impasse". The judge told them it's too soon to declare a mistrial so the jury will be back tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. to continue deliberations.
Bennett family murders: Jury deciding fate of Alex Ewing | 9news.com
Bennett family murders: Jury deciding fate of Alex Ewing | 9news.com
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Friday, August 6th:
*Trial continues (Day 9)-VERDICT WATCH! (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21. State rested their case on 8/3/21. Defense rested their case on 8/5/21. Jurors deliberated for ~ 4-5 hours on 8/5/21. Jurors: 6 women & 6 men.
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-7) 7/27/21 to 8/4/21 reference post #315 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
8/5/21 Thursday, Trial Day 8: Defense rested their case. DA John Kellner gave closing arguments for State & Stephen McCrohan gave closing for defense. And prosecutor Garrik Storgaard gave rebuttal closing. Jury went to deliberations. After several hours of deliberations the jury told the Judge they were at an impasse. The judge said it was too early to declare a mistrial & sent jurors home for the night. They will continue deliberations at 8:30am on Friday, 8/6/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
*Trial continues (Day 9)-VERDICT WATCH! (Arapahoe Co) (@ 8:30am MT) – CO – Bruce (27) & Debra (26) Bennett & daughter Melissa (7) (Jan. 16, 1984, Aurora) – *Alexander Christopher Ewing (25 @ time of crime/58/now 62) charged (3/2/20) (Arapahoe County in CO on 8/9/18) & arraigned (2/3/21) with 3 counts of 1st degree murder after deliberation, 3 counts of felony murder, 1 count of attempted 1st degree murder after deliberation, 1 count of aggravated sexual assault, 1 count of assault with deadly weapon & 1 count of 1st degree burglary with weapon. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
Trial began on 7/23/21 with Jury selection & trial started on 7/27/21. State rested their case on 8/3/21. Defense rested their case on 8/5/21. Jurors deliberated for ~ 4-5 hours on 8/5/21. Jurors: 6 women & 6 men.
Court info from 2/28/20 thru 7/16/21 & Jury selection (Day 1-2) 7/23/21 to 7/26/21 & Trial (Day 1-7) 7/27/21 to 8/4/21 reference post #315 here:
CO - Bruce, 27, Debra, 26, & Melissa Bennett, 7, murdered, Aurora, 16 Jan 1984 *inmate arrest 2019*
8/5/21 Thursday, Trial Day 8: Defense rested their case. DA John Kellner gave closing arguments for State & Stephen McCrohan gave closing for defense. And prosecutor Garrik Storgaard gave rebuttal closing. Jury went to deliberations. After several hours of deliberations the jury told the Judge they were at an impasse. The judge said it was too early to declare a mistrial & sent jurors home for the night. They will continue deliberations at 8:30am on Friday, 8/6/21.
*CO – Patricia Louis Smith (50) (Jan. 10, 1984, Lakewood, Jefferson County) - Next motions hearings on 9/14/21 & 9/15/21. Trial set to begin on 10/18/21 thru 11/15/21.
PrivateInspector007
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Jury Tells Judge They Are At ‘Impasse’ In Alex Ewing’s Murder Trial, Will Resume Deliberations Friday Morning
Jury Tells Judge They Are At 'Impasse' In Alex Ewing's Murder Trial, Will Resume Deliberations Friday Morning
Jury Tells Judge They Are At 'Impasse' In Alex Ewing's Murder Trial, Will Resume Deliberations Friday Morning
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Ummm, this creep's DNA was found in the Bennett home and, as far as I know, they did not know him. How the heck is the jury at an impasse? SMH.
Not good. His DNA (also semen based) was also found at Mrs. Smith's murder scene a week before the Bennett murders and the judge allowed that information into evidence for this trial. I wonder how many holdouts there are.
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