No outside DNA found in Coleman home

DNA evidence found inside the Coleman home where Sheri Coleman and her two sons, Garett and Gavin, were found murdered, was linked to members of the Coleman family, according to forensic scientists who testified in the murder trial.

Illinois State Police Forensic Scientist Michael Brown said he collected several DNA samples from the victims' fingernails and from the bedding after the May 2009 murder. On Sheri and Garett, they found another person's DNA on them, but it was consistent with that of family members. Brown said that would not be uncommon because they all lived together and had constant contact.

"Not a single genetic marker that I identified would have to have come from outside source," Brown said.

The defense asked Brown if the DNA could have come from an outside source.

Brown said it was possible because certain people share some common DNA markers.

The defense asked if investigators examined DNA samples from Keith Coleman and if it would be similar to Keith's.

Brown said they did not examine Keith's DNA and that the brothers may have DNA similarities, but the exact profile would differ.

It was the second time the defense has brought up Keith Coleman's name. But, investigators said he has a credible alibi. He was spotted on an ATM camera in Arkansas.

Illinois State Police Forensic Scientist Melody Levault testified that the loose strains of hair found on the crook of Gavin's elbow and near Garett's head, were consistent to that of Sheri's hair.
In the first week of trial, Dr. Michael Baden, a forensic pathologist, testified that he believed the three were strangled by the same ligature and that's how the hair was transferred. He believed Sheri was killed first, then the boys.

When police arrived at the Coleman home after the murders, they found a back window opened, which they believed the killer may have used to get inside the home.

Rick Sawdey, who works for the company that made the windows, testified that the window was not damaged and that the window has a forced entry resistance mechanism that prevents anyone from entering from the outside. He said there was no damage to the locks and it did not appear to have ever been forcefully opened.

The prosecution could wrap its case as early as Tuesday.

If convicted, Coleman could face the death penalty.

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