DNA examiner testifies about Dirksmeyer evidence

A DNA examiner with the state Crime Laboratory testified that tests conducted on more than a dozen items after Nona Dirksmeyer’s murder yielded no matches to the two suspects in the case.

Melissa Myhand testified Friday that no usable DNA matched Dirksmeyer’s boyfriend, Kevin Jones, as well as the man currently on trial in her death, Gary Dunn.

State Medical Examiner Dr. Charles Kokes is expected to testify later Friday.

The 19-year-old Dirksmeyer was found brutally beaten in her Russellville apartment on Dec. 15, 2005. Her boyfriend, Jones, was acquitted of the crime three years ago.

Police arrested Dunn in 2008 after investigators say DNA evidence found on a condom wrapper linked him to the crime.

The trial is expected to enter its third week on Monday.

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