S2E79: The Mammoth Evidence

After spending nine days on the stand, Chem Centre scientist Rees Powell finally wrapped up his evidence on day 79 of the Claremont Serial Killings trial. It was during the end of his evidence-in-chief that it was revealed not only were fibres from the bodies of Ciara Glennon and Jane Rimmer analysed, the fibres from another WA cold case - which we have spoken about before on the podcast - the murder of Gerard Ross, was analysed along side the MACRO exhibits. The fibres were also compared to see if there were any matches. It was revealed there were matches, — but only from so-called “adventitious” sources, possibly from overshoes worn by police and sheets used in the state mortuary. During his mammoth time on the stand, Mr Powell detailed the huge amount of fibres that had been collected during the investigation, and the number of fibres Chem Centre tested, dating back to 2009, numbered in the thousands. On the final day of his evidence, a report put together by Mr Powell said the MACRO investigation is likely to be one of the largest textile fibre investigations ever conducted worldwide. The defence had their chance to question Mr Powell during his cross examination, where he was The state’s case - like the DNA portion of the trial, seemed to looking to find chances for contamination. Mr Yovich asked Mr Powell about the possibility of a crowded hotel, packed with people, being a good environment for the transfer of fibres. Such as the Continental Hotel, where Jane and Ciara spent parts of their last nights alive. Mr Powell agreed fibres could and would be transferred from people throughout the nights. Now that Mr Powell has finished his evidence, the trial will move to the UK, where the state’s key fibre witness, Dr Ray Palmer, who will be giving evidence via video link. The trial will sit later for the rest of the week. Join Natalie Bonjolo, Tim Clarke and Alison Fan as they discuss day 79. The West Australian has also released a two-part video series, as Tim Clarke takes you through the areas which are key to the trial, from Claremont, where the women went missing, to Hollywood hospital and to the sites were Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon’s bodies were found. To watch those videos, head to: Part 1: https://thewest.com.au/news/claremont-serial-killings/claremont-serial-killings-trial-tim-clarke-takes-you-on-a-visual-tour-of-claremont-ng-b881516606z Part 2: https://thewest.com.au/news/claremont-serial-killings/claremont-serial-killings-trial-tim-clarke-takes-you-to-wellard-and-eglington-ng-b881517153z If you have any questions for the Claremont in Conversation podcast team, send them in to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.