11/20/12 - A detective testified that he found no signs of forced entry after being called to the scene of a Highland Township womanâs murder in May of 2011. The testimony Monday came during the second day of trial for 22-year-old Jeffrey Pyne, who is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly beating and stabbing his mother, 51-year-old Ruth Pyne, to death in the garage of the family's Highland Township home. The detective also said Pyne showed little emotion when he arrived at the murder scene. Prosecutors contend the former high school valedictorian killed his mother because he was angry over her mental illness and refusal to take medications. The defense argued in opening statements that no physical evidence links Pyne to the killing and the case against him is entirely circumstantial. An autopsy determined Ruth Pyne was struck multiple times in the head and arms with an object, believed to be a two-by-four, and then turned over and stabbed 16 times in the neck with a knife. Prosecutors say fresh wounds found on Jeffrey Pyneâs hands the day of the murder are consistent with repeatedly swinging an object like a board. Previous testimony from Pyneâs boss at Spicers Orchard said he claimed to have hurt himself while throwing a wooden pallet. The trial is expected to last this week and next. If convicted, Pyne faces life in prison without parole. (JK)
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