Monrovia – A foreign forensic pathologist, Dr. Matthau I. Okoye, has testified in the ongoing Charloe Musu murder trial which involves former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott and other members of her household.
By: Victoria G. Wesseh
During Tuesday hearing, Dr. Okoye, an International Forensic Pathologist based in the United States of America, testified that a male fingernail profile appeared on the left hand of the late Charloe Musu. He noted that he could not identify the man in question.
Dr. Okoye further stated that the blood spatter from the window of the guest room did not show any major DNA profile. However, the blood spatter from Gloria Musu-Scott’s bedroom on the bedsheets displayed the DNA profile of Charloe Musu.
During cross-examination, Dr. Okoye indicated that the DNA profile of the late Charloe Musu was consistent with all the evidence, leading to the complete exclusion of Gloria Musu-Scott, Gertrude Newton, Alice Johnson, and Rebecca Youdeh Wisner. This conclusion was based on comparing the DNA profiles obtained from blood samples of Alice Johnson and Gloria Musu-Scott with the blood spatter found in various locations within the house.
The Forensic Pathologist noted that his team compared these profiles with the fingernail clippings from Charloe Musu, revealing that the only foreign DNA profile was that of a minor contributor by a male on the left hand of the late Charloe Musu.
Dr. Okoye revealed they have YSTR that they can use to match any suspect, even animals present at the scene that night. He emphasized the confidence level, stating that there is a male who may have been the intruder or evader, causing the injury or death of Charloe Musu, with a confidence level exceeding 99% and 1 out of a billion.
Regarding toxicology, Dr. Okoye stated that the toxicology report did not contribute to the cause of death. There was no evidence of drug overdose or toxicity that would have killed the deceased, according to the toxicologist’s report.
Dr. Okoye clarified the DNA analysis process, noting that the first autopsy’s DNA report did not identify a Y chromosome. He emphasized the use of DNA analysis through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for accurate results.
The prosecution respectfully requested the court to permit the clerk to print the minutes and provide them for examination, citing the need for thorough review of the expert witness’s testimony. The prosecution received the voluminous autopsy report during the court session, and they requested a deferral of the cross-examination to the next court sitting to adequately prepare.