SPOKANE, Wash.-- Major Crimes Detectives took the stand again Tuesday to describe the crime scene to the jury during the murder trial of Clay Starbuck.He is charged with killing his ex-wife, Chanin Starbuck.
Major Crimes Detectives were on the stand most of the day Tuesday describing what they did on the day of December 3, 2011 when they discovered the body of Chanin Starbuck at her home.Detective Lyle Johnston was on the scene for hours that day and took hundreds of pictures.
'This is the beginning of the story. When we walk in there having no idea what happened, you have to look everywhere for everything,' said Johnston.
Officials said Chanin was brutally murdered but her home appeared normal. They said there was no sign of a struggle, but a safe with a gun was found cracked open with sex objects and condoms inside.
The defense hammered Detective Johnston about items that were not finger printed including the area where Chanin's cell phone was found. He testified that the surface where it was found can be difficult to lift prints from.
Blood found on the mattress was also not tested. Detectives said it appeared to be Chanin's.
The prosecution insists dozens of items were taken into evidence and what appeared to have a relation to the case was further reviewed.
Detectives said they also recovered DNA evidence at the scene and it was ruled to either be Clay Starbuck's or the couple's two oldest sons.
