Pocono News Section

DNA Evidence Shocker in Triple Murder Trial

DNA Evidence Shocker in Triple Murder Trial - Friday, January 23, 2009 at 6:21PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Friday, Jan 23, 2009 @ 06:21pm EST
TOWANDA, BRADFORD COUNTY - There was dramatic testimony involving DNA evidence Friday morning in a Bradford County triple murder trial.

The courtroom was buzzing about what a DNA expert testified to via write-in testimony. The witness said suspect Steven Colegrove is not the biological son of murder victim Joseph Colegrove. That had never been released before throughout the 17 month investigation.

Just after 1:00 PM, another dramatic scene played out inside the courtroom. Suspect Steven Colegrove came face-to-face with his brother, Robert, for the first time in nearly ten years.

Under oath, Robert Colegrove said "for the most part," he got along with his father, mother and brother except for the occassional fight. He also said he didn't know anyone with a grudge against them.

"It was appropriate to call Robert Colegrove because Steven Colegrove is claiming that his mother, brother and father had made all sorts of assertions. Of course, when Steven said that, the parents were already dead, so we can't question them," District Attorney Dan Barrett said.

Under cross-examination, both Robert and his wife, Heather Colegrove, were painted as potential suspects. They are both familiar with shotguns, had the day of the murders off and had financial problems.

Another key part of testimony Friday came from several more Pennsylvania State Police troopers.

Jurors heard how Steven Colegrove was caught in lie-after-lie and even had a bruise on his right shoulder. That would be typical from shooting a shotgun several times.

"Troopers had the incite to check into the bruise and were able to locate it. I think it was 66 hours after the crimes occurred," Barrett said.

Experts also testified to the fact that Michael Colegrove's blood was found on a gun that Steven had access to. Prosecutors expect to wrap up their case on Monday. That's when the defense could begin calling witnesses.