Bloodstains found in Raymond Stacey's mother's home, forensic investigator testifies

A Royal Newfoundland Constabulary investigator found bloodstains in the home of the mother of a man charged with killing his co-worker.

Sgt. Jim Smith of the RNC's forensic identification unit testified Friday at the second-degree murder trial of Raymond Stacey that he was off-duty at the time of Clifford Comerford's death but was called in because the police force needed more officersto investigate.

Smith told the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador thathe went to the scene on Greenwood Crescent, where Comerford was killed, as well as to the hospital to get pictures of the victim.

Through Smith's testimony it was learned thatComerfordhad been stabbed six times: three in the chest, and in the left forearm, left hip, and left hand.

The officer said there was a warrant issued to search Stacey's mother's home on Topsail Road.

Police found stains on the washing machine, a wall near a bathroom and on a closet.They also seized clothesfrom the home.

Smith hadsaid they went to the home to findevidence to support a prosecution.

'Tunnel vision' says defence

When it came time for cross-examination, Stacey's lawyer, Bob Buckingham, jumped all over that.

Buckingham said to Smith that indicates "tunnel vision," implying that police believed Stacey committed the murder, and then went looking for evidence to back it up.

Smith said, "That's your opinion." He said he is objective and expects that of his team.

"It was probably not my best choice of words."

Buckingham also asked about the scientific qualifications of the RNC's forensic unit.

Smith said the members didn't have to have backgrounds in science or photography, but those could be an asset.

He said they got on-the-job training.

The province's chief medical examiner, Dr. Simon Avis, is also scheduled to take the stand as the trial continues, to testify about Comerford's wounds and how they contributed to his death.