Thread by @AirDhatu

The People vs. #DanaRivers, 11-7-22 (week 2 day 1): Criminologist Helena Wong, who did the DNA testing of the case, continues her testimony. Prosecution asks Wong if she can tell Rivers is trans based on DNA. Wong says yes because DNA reveals "biological gender," 1/

which is male in Rivers' case. This is the first time during the trial that Rivers' trans status is disclosed. Wong & the prosecution go on to talk about the results of DNA tests taken of blood stains from the scene of the crime, as well as from items at the crime scene. 2/

One swab has Diambu's DNA. Most of the rest had Rivers' DNA, Reed's DNA, or a mix. However, the slide of the pistol had 2 DNA donors, neither of which were the victims or Rivers. One of the unknown donors was male and the other's sex was undetermined. 3/

Wright's DNA was not found anywhere. Reed's DNA was found on the revolver, while Rivers' was not (there is back and forth with the prosecution, defense, and witness about the fact that Rivers was wearing gloves). 4/

other items that were tested include a knife (with both Reed's and Rivers' DNA), screwdriver (ditto), biker helmet (with Rivers's DNA), and various clothes Rivers' was wearing (mix of Reed's and Rivers' DNA). 5/

The only other witness today was Maria Sabatini, the arson investigator for the Oakland Fire Department. She came to the conclusion that the fire In the garage was arson, not an accident, for four reasons: 1st, the fire was started from two separate locations. 2nd, the burn 6/

damage pattern indicates use of a flammable liquid (like gasoline). 3rd, a gas can was located. 4th, no cause of an accidental fire could be identified. Defense cross-X shows photos to try to identify other potential fire sources, but Sabatini rules them out and 7/

sticks to her initial verdict of arson. Defense tries to ask more questions about her qualifications, but judge shuts the questioning down, saying it should have happened earlier. The witness is dismissed and the day is done. 8/