S2E53: The Random Test that Changed the Investigation

It was the random testing of a silk kimono in 2016, which led police to their breakthrough in Australia’s most expensive and longest running investigation, and the dramatic arrest of Bradley Robert Edwards. Today, on day 53, the scientist who tested that kimono took the stand. Scott Egan, who was a scientist at Pathwest in 2016, told the court the kimono, which was taken out of storage by a cold case police officer, was tested by him on November 23, 2016. The silk kimono was left behind during a break-in, and attack on a teenager while she slept in her Huntingdale home in 1988. Earlier in the trial, the court heard Edwards snuck into the woman’s bedroom on Valentine’s day, crept onto her bed and pinned her down while placing something in her mouth. Bradley Edwards has pleaded guilty to the attack. Scott Egan not only gave evidence today, he was also the subject of another witness’s cross examination. His colleague Andrew McDonald was forced to name him, along with three other scientists who contaminated samples from Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon. During that cross examination, an unusual case of contamination was brought up by the defence, except it had nothing to do with MACRO exhibits, and happened in the UK. In this episode, Tim Clarke questions why the prosecution didn’t jump up to object, and what this evidence could mean to the trial. Join Tim, along with Natalie Bonjolo and Alison Fan as they discuss day 53. If you have any questions for the podcast team, or any of their guests, send them in to [email protected] and for more on the Claremont Serial Killings trial, head to thewest.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.