February 16, 2006 – The priest is accused of killing Sister Margette Ann Pahl in the chapel at the former Mercy Hospital back in 1980. Robinson’s murder trial is set to start April 17.
They’ve made names for themselves as experts in the fields of forensics and blood stain patterns.
The judge listened to the testimony and agreed the experts should testify in the Father Gerald Robinson murder trial. Father Gerald Robinson showed no emotion as prosecutors argued why forensics expert, Paulette Sutton should testify in his murder trial.
The priest is accused of killing Sister Margette Ann Pahl in the chapel at the former Mercy Hospital back in 1980.
Prosecutors presented a book written by Sutton as evidence that she’s qualified to testify.
Sutton is one of four people in the world who’s certified as a competent forensic expert in blood stain pattern interpretation.
She told judge Thomas Osowick how she review the blood patterns on the altar cloth as well as the letter opener allegedly used to kill the nun.
“In this instance I prepared transfers to see if I could create transfer patterns that were similar to what I was seeing on the cloth.”
She wasn’t the only high profile woman who took the stand today. Father Robinson’s defense team flew in anthropologist Kathleen Reichs from North Carolina.
“The two main areas in the lab would be ID and trauma analysis.”
A nationally broadcast television show is based on her work. She also does all of the anthropology work for the providence of Que’bec.
Prosecutors tried to pick apart her qualifications, pointing out she did not do any anthropology work in this case, she only reviewed police reports and pictures.
“I think I got two sets of items, I got a disc with photos on it, and the quality of images weren’t all that good.”
High profile forensic expert, Henry Lee will also testify in the Father Robinson trial in April. He’s the same expert who testified in the O.J. Simpson trial.
Robinson’s murder trial is set to start April 17. But there is also another case against him.
An alleged rape victim has filed a civil lawsuit against Robinson.
The unidentified woman says 40 years ago she was tortured and raped in ritual abuse by Robinson at Saint Adalbert Parish.
The woman’s attorney says this case is on hold until the murder trial is over.