Testimony continues in Pinyon Pines triple murder trial after illness delay
The second week of the Pinyon Pines triple murder trial took a one-day pause yesterday, after Jeff Moore, the attorney of Robert Pape, fell ill.
Cristin Smith and Robert Pape are both facing three counts of first-degree murder in the 2006 deaths of Becky Friedli, Vicki Friedli, and John Hayward.
Last week’s days in court saw opening statements as well as testimony from area witnesses and first responders. Evidence, from a business card found at the scene allegedly connected to Cristin Smith to graphic photos of the victim’s bodies, were also scrutinized by the defense and prosecution.
This week began with witness testimony by a forensic scientist who specializes in burned bodies. The expert testified that an accelerant was used before the teenager’s body burned for 18 to 30 minutes in a wheelbarrow before firefighters put the flames out.
A woman whose business card was found at the scene also testified. She said she had never been to the home but had volunteered alongside Kathleen Pape, Robert’s mother, at Sacred Heart Church in Palm Desert.
The day ended with the testimony of a former homicide investigator who spoke about the evidence he collected from the bodies.
Court was adjourned early so the council could discuss the next witness planned to testify, Javier Garcia. He was the best friend of Becky Friedli and allegedly spoke to her the night of her death.
Smith and Pape face life in prison without parole if convicted.
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