Police officer says blood stained sweater found hidden in stove: murder trial

Ballantyne was initially found naked, lying face down in a bath tub. He had incurred multiple stab wounds and showed signs of a head wound. Blood was running down the drain, along with water that was still lightly pouring from the faucet.

To create more space for life resuscitation measures, the body was dragged by police officers to the living room area and Ballantyne was declared deceased by EMS.

In total, over 200 pictures were taken by the forensics officer and each one was described for the 12 person jury.

In the bathroom, where Ballantyne was located, there was large butcher knife in a waste basket, and under a pile of clothes on the floor, police discovered half a dozen more kitchen knives.

In one of the bedrooms, officers located a blood stained white shirt and jeans.

And in a separate bedroom, that police were only able to access after moving a large dresser, there were blood stains found on both the dresser and the door handle.

The police officer also acknowledged one of her tasks after arriving on scene was to take pictures of the accused and seize the clothing she was wearing.

The officer testified Bird, while reluctant at first to remove her clothing, was cooperative and polite. There was visible bruising on both arms, wrists and knuckles.

As per heard testimony earlier this week, three friends had gathered at the house and were consuming both alcohol and meth.

The other person at the house, Walter Charles, testified he did not witness anything and claimed due to the amount of alcohol he consumed, he was in and out of consciousness throughout the night.

At this stage of the trial it’s unknown if Bird will testify in her own defence, but as per discussion heard in court, there’s been suggestion of self-defence.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Police officer says blood stained sweater found hidden in stove: murder trial

What's Trending