11/30/12 - Testimony yesterday in the murder trial of a Highland Township man included that from a DNA expert who cast doubt that the person who killed Ruth Pyne in May of 2011 was a stranger. Thatâs been the leading theory put forth by the defense for 22-year-old Jeffrey Pyne, who is charged with bludgeoning and stabbing his mother to death in the garage of the familyâs home on Burwood Court in a fit of rage after years of dealing with her mental illness. Terry Melton, an expert in mitochondrial DNA, testified that blood-soaked strands of hair found in Ruth Pyne's right hand matched her own DNA profile, but added that Jeffrey Pyne could not be excluded as the source. While mitochondrial DNA is less precise than nuclear DNA, which can provide a specific match, Meltonâs analysis showed there was a 0.1% chance that the hair came from anyone other than Ruth Pyne or someone closely related to her. Defense attorney James Champion has said the killer was likely a stranger, or strangers, and that Jeffrey Pyne had no involvement. Also testifying Thursday was Oakland County Sheriff's Detective David Hendrick who said a pocket knife Jeffrey Pyne had with him when police questioned him the day of the killing may have been used to stab Ruth Pyne, although analysis couldnât absolutely confirm that. The trial resumes today in Oakland County Circuit Court. (JK)
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