Watch CBS News

Trial Continues For Man Accused Of Killing Hopkins Researcher

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- More key testimony in the trial for the man accused of killing Johns Hopkins researcher Stephen Pitcairn.

Meghan McCorkell has more.

Investigators found blood at the entrance of John Wagner's Maryland Avenue home and on a white Nike tennis shoe inside.  On the stand, a DNA analyst testified that blood was likely that of 23-year-old Stephen Pitcairn.

Pitcairn, a Johns Hopkins cancer researcher, was stabbed to death last summer in Charles Village. 

Last week, Wagner's girlfriend Lavelva Merritt told a jury she and Wagner robbed Pitcairn, then she claims Wagner stabbed him.

"What happened to Mr. Pitcairn was wrong.  It never should have happened," Merritt told the jury.

The defense questioned Baltimore police forensic DNA analyst Kelly Miller Monday.  Miller told the jury while Pitcairn's DNA was discovered on the knife, Wagner's was not.

DNA evidence also couldn't pinpoint who last wore those Nike shoes, though multiple roommates testified they were Wagner's.

A fingerprint analyst also testified she tested those shoes, as well as a wallet, credit card, iPhone, a paper card and three knives.  Only one item turned up a print: the iPhone.  That print belonged to Merritt.

Two police detectives also took the stand Monday afternoon as the prosecution wraps up its case.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.