DNA tests and a pair of purple metal handcuffs were among the latest evidence unfurling in the second week of the first-degree murder trial of St. Albert resident Beryl Musila, 33.
According to police testimony on Monday, a pair of shiny magenta-purple handcuffs—without a key—were inside the large plastic Rubbermaid tote the Crown says was used to transport Ron Worsfold’s lifeless body after his July 7, 2017 death from his apartment at 75 Mission Avenue in St. Albert to a variety of locations and ultimately a makeshift dumpsite. It was discovered on the same property as a house party at a rural Parkland County residence on Sunday, July 9, 2017.
Duct tape, attached to a plastic strip, was identified in connection with the body of the victim.
“It was wrapped around the ankles of Mr. Worsfold,” Cst. Subegh Dosanjh told Crown prosecutor John Schmidt.
Two small containers containing fingernail clippings taken from the deceased’s left and right hands by the medical examiner during the autopsy were entered into the evidence, as well as dry swabs that had been rubbed on his hands.
Jurors saw Dosanjh, formerly of the St. Albert RCMP detachment and now with the Delta police, painstakingly reveal evidence encased in packaging. Between each item of evidence, he cleaned the scissors used to open exhibits, and cleaned the desk used to show the evidence. Between each exhibit, he removed blue rubber gloves and donned a fresh pair.
One exhibit taken from the side pocket of the black suitcase was a pair of large sewing-type shears, about 10-inch long with black handles, which had carpet fibres on them.
A second pair of scissors, with black and grey handles and discolouration on the blade, taken from the side pocket of the black suitcase found at the second crime scene in rural Parkland County.
DNA cards were presented for evidence, including a DNA card from the victim.
Consent DNA cards were presented for known sample DNA analysis of Tyler Fisher, and of Robert Rafters.
There was also a warrant DNA testing kit (collected with the authority of a warrant) for the accused.
