2nd Bug Expert Bolsters Westerfield Defense: (Dusek Melting Down Before Juries Eyes!!)

NBC/San Diego ^ | July 22, 2002 | NBC/San Diego

[FresnoDA]

2nd Bug Expert Bolsters Westerfield Defense

Expert Says Fly Infestations Show When Danielle's Body Was Dumped

 

POSTED: 6:58 a.m. PDT July 22, 2002

UPDATED: 2:28 p.m. PDT July 22, 2002

 

SAN DIEGO -- The trial of David Westerfield resumed Monday with more testimony about insects, as defense lawyers tried to show that their client was not the person who dumped Danielle van Dam's body along a two-lane road in East County.

Before testimony began, Judge William Mudd warned jurors to ignore last week's murder of a young girl in nearby Orange County. Mudd said that the abduction, sexual assault and murder of 5-year-old Samantha Runnion "bears no relation" to the trial of David Westerfield.

Westerfield's trial had been in recess since July 11 so the judge could take a previously scheduled vacation.

Westerfield, 50, lived two doors from Danielle, who vanished after her father put her to bed the night of Feb. 1. Searchers found the girl's nude body on Feb. 27 along a rural roadside east of San Diego.

A forensic entomologist, testifying Monday for the defense, said Danielle's body could not have been dumped at the roadside before Feb. 12, according to his analysis of flies and larvae collected during an autopsy. The blow flies that were found on the body typically descend on a cadaver shortly after death, but it can take longer in cooler temperatures, entomologist Neal Haskell said. Based on his analysis of the temperatures in the area at the time, Haskell (pictured, right) put "the time of colonization" likely at Feb. 14 and no earlier than Feb. 12.

Prosecutors challenged the defense's weather data.

Haskell's testimony puts the time the body may have been dumped several days earlier than suggested by a previous defense witness, entomologist David Faulkner. The defense has seized upon the time of death, which could not be precisely determined, to suggest that the body was dumped at a time when Westerfield was under constant police surveillance.

Westerfield was put under observation soon after Danielle disappeared, according to police testimony. He was arrested on Feb. 22.

During Haskell's testimony about insects devouring Danielle's body, the girl's parents, Brenda and Damon van Dam, stared at the floor as they sat in the back row of the courtroom. It is the first time that Damon van Dam has been in court since Judge William Mudd banned him from the proceedings almost a month ago as a security risk. Mudd restored his trial privileges just before going on vacation.

Lawyers for Westerfield have said they expect to offer two to three more days of testimony.

[the Deejay]

I don't think they still have luggage carriers on top of the newer RV's. The last two my parents had, didn't have that. They've added more lower compartments. Luggage carriers catch too much wind. They started making them more streamlined. They still don't get great gas mileage and never will. After all, there's a lot of weight in one of those rigs.

[CAPPSMADNESS]

If he was carefull, why would he leave any evidence ?

BINGO!!! If he was SOOOOO CAREFUL - Why would he leave any evidence of her in his MH or on his jacket? I mean, after all - he doesn't shed hair now does he???

[UCANSEE2]

For all I know the jury is reading Penthouse and Cosmo and Reader's Digest on their laps in secret and laughing at the jokes and cartoons.

LOL! You could be right. Thank you for your honesty, it is refreshing.

[the Deejay]

I know. Dusek is a piece of work and his lousy case is caving in on him. I bet he has a migraine tonight after Haskell drug him around the courtroom today.

[UCANSEE2]

DW is a genius inventor and mensa member.

More information from LITTLE RIVER? Maybe you should check your 'facts'.

[Southflanknorthpawsis]

I am listening to the Rick Roberts broadcast for the first time as my Sandiegochannel link didn't work anymore. His reporter in the courtoom (River?) is saying (during the afternoon break) the witness is a big bust and has lost his credibility.

What's lost its credibility is Rick Roberts and River. I have heard her report so much nonsense that I put no stock in what she says anymore.

I used to tune into RR once in awhile on his regular show. Never again since his trial coverage and commentary.

If you listen for any length of time, you may understand what I mean. People call with the most outlandish theories and ideas one can imagine and no matter what, RR tells them that it's a wonderful and great thought, blah, blah, blah. It's embarrassing.

He wants to get his mug everywhere and become famous. He is total BS and he has just capitalized on this trial. Who outside of Southern California ever heard of him until now?

Nope.....the credibility that is lost is that of Rick and River and possibly a slight bit from the radio station.

BTW, when River reports that she can "tell what the jurors are thinking", that's your first clue. Any attorney worth his or her salt will tell you that it is impossible to do. So much for CREDIBILITY.

[the Deejay]

I think DEMON will behave himself. He knows the judge is serious. But I would love it if DEMON were to cut loose with a LOUD outburst!! hehehehe.

[gigi]

LOL! Now I can't get that song out of my head!

[UCANSEE2]

The scenarios are speculation and not relevant. The hard evidence is.

Have to agree with you there.

IMO and from following this from the start of the PH, and research, and reading transcripts, and listening to testimony, that most of the evidence has been discounted.

However, you statements ( I believe it was you) about the EMOTION of the JURY, are more important, especially in this HIGHLY EMOTIONAL case.

[the Deejay]

RR is Rag Radio. He's got to keep and get more listeners. The more "rag", the more listeners. It's called RATINGS.

[UCANSEE2]

. Your shifting isn't random.

Ever taught a woman how to drive a stick?

(run, UCANSEE2,run,,, fast as you can!)

[Henrietta]

He has to know they will lie, not just suspect it.

[gigi]

The CTV reporter Beth, today said that the jurors are stoic, that she can't see any reaction to the testominy other that jurors taking notes.

[the Deejay]

"I think we need one more bug guy for good measure just so we can Dusek flip."


ROTFL!! Think we'll see his head explode!!

[CAPPSMADNESS]

You don't consider the OJ jury a Touchy-feely jury? I have seen many jurers react with their feelings when the victim of the crime is a child - it's to be expected. And in this society, where many of us "soccor moms" have been brought up to be ruled by our emotions - it will be hard to stop the feelings of the jurers from getting involved. Especially after viewing the child's crime scene/autopsy photos.

[the Deejay]

No, the oj jury were just "stupid" and didn't give a rat's rear end. It was called, "pay back." Remember?