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Police Testify About Digital Evidence and Investigative Leads
Christopher James, a Detroit Police officer with a decade of experience, was among the first to testify after the lunch break on Wednesday. James spoke about extracting data from an Amazon tablet provided by Detroit Public Schools. His investigation uncovered an Instagram account linked to Jarvis Butts.
Next to take the stand was Sergeant Shannon Jones, the lead investigator on the case from the homicide division's missing persons unit. Her testimony outlined the department’s efforts to piece together key details about the case.
Forensic Blood Testing on Clothing
Rionne Greene, a forensic expert with the Michigan State Police crime lab, discussed her analysis of clothing linked to both Na’Ziyah Harris and Jarvis Butts. Greene confirmed multiple bloodstains were identified on a black sweatshirt worn by Butts and a pink bodysuit belonging to Harris.
During cross-examination, Greene acknowledged that other tested articles, including vehicle swabs, did not show confirmed blood results. The defense used this to question the consistency of the findings.
Additional Police Testimonies
Lisa Johnson, a cold-case detective with Detroit Police, testified about visiting the Parkcrest Motel in Harper Woods, where Butts reportedly checked in on the night of Jan. 9. Johnson confirmed Butts checked out the following day after noon, though the motel employee on duty did not recall seeing him.
Sarah Markel, a phone data extraction specialist, testified next. She detailed the process of recovering data from devices linked to Butts, identifying email and Instagram accounts tied to him.
Medical Examiner’s Insight
Dr. Omar Rayes, from the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office, also took the stand. Rayes reviewed Na’Ziyah Harris’s medical history, stating her records showed no life-threatening conditions, and her vaccinations were current.
The defense challenged the testimony, arguing that Na’Ziyah’s cause of death remains unknown, and without her body, her death cannot be confirmed.
Preliminary Hearing Overview
As the preliminary hearing enters its third day, testimony continues to shed light on the investigation into Na’Ziyah Harris’s disappearance. Witnesses so far have included police officers, forensic experts, Harris’s grandmother, and others connected to the case.
The prosecution aims to establish a clear timeline and link Jarvis Butts to key evidence, while the defense continues to challenge the claims.
Call to Action
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