The medical examiner detailed the blood loss, estimating three to four pints, and described blood jets indicating a severed artery. He concluded that Mark Evans was dying when Lisa Evans lost control and screamed, “No, Mark can’t be dead!”
Her outburst forced the judge to adjourn the trial until the next morning.
The second day began with the medical expert continuing his testimony, focusing on blood sample tests. After fifteen minutes, District Attorney Jeff Bagden ended his questioning, turning the witness over to defense attorney Basil Smith.
Smith checked that Lisa Evans, now sedated, was calm. He aimed to refute the graphic, execution-like impression of the shooting.
Smith asked, “You estimated Mark Evans lost three to four pints of blood, but isn’t it possible it was one to two pints, depending on blood distribution?”
The medical examiner replied, “It’s unlikely, but not impossible.”
Smith continued, “Could first aid have lessened the fatality of Mark Evans’ injury?”
The examiner said, “Unlikely, but not impossible. Immediate medical attention would have been required.”
Smith highlighted the lack of evidence for immediate assistance and dismissed the witness, having secured small concessions.
Next, a forensic scientist specializing in weapons and ammunition testified about two recovered bullets. One bullet from the car seat was deformed. The other, from firewood, was in good condition and matched the recovered weapon.
Smith asked, “Were the bullets checked for bone or flesh remnants?”
The technician confirmed minimal traces of blood on the bullets, explaining that passing through layers of padding and fabric likely cleaned them.
He noted the bullets had a full metal jacket, typical for military use, with a gilding metal copper-steel jacket around the core. He explained that this jacket is stronger than a standard all-metal jacket, usually made of copper.
This was both good and bad for the defense. While there was no evidence the bullets passed through the body, the circumstances and type of bullet explained the situation.
The hope of tracing the weapon was futile. It was sold at a weapon show twenty years ago with no buyer record.
Basil Smith did confirm no fingerprints or DNA from the defendants were found on the weapon or casings. Anything not washed away by river water was wiped clean before disposal.
Another technician discussed the shovels found. There were no fingerprints or DNA, but they were branded Moore’s Landscaping. Fourteen identical shovels were found at Moore’s business.
Cross-examination yielded no new information.
Witnesses from the forensic science department and police continued all morning and afternoon. Basil Smith’s most significant cross-examination occurred with a technician who found blood in Blake Moore’s car.
The technician admitted the blood could have been planted by a third party, giving Smith a small victory.
Things complicated with testimony from the technician at Lisa Evans’ home. Blood was found in her car and on her right shoe, although the technician admitted they couldn’t determine if the blood was transferred from the shoe to the gas pedal or vice versa.
The lawyer hoped this doubt would help Lisa as the prosecution’s witnesses concluded.
The third morning began with the defense’s evidence presentation. Local newspapers speculated that the defense would struggle against the prosecution’s evidence.
They suggested that without a body, a conviction would be difficult, especially given the defense’s strategy of casting doubt on whether Mark Evans was really dead.
Basil Smith’s first defense witness was blood analysis expert Dr. Wilbur. He testified a better job could have been done collecting blood evidence.
Properly analyzing blood-soaked soil could have given a more accurate estimate of blood loss. He believed as little as one and a half pints of blood could have created the scene, and someone losing that much blood could still be alive.
The district attorney did not cross-examine him.
Next, Blake Moore testified, claiming innocence and suggesting Mark orchestrated his own homicide. He stated he never owned a weapon, and the shovels found could have been stolen from his work sites.
Basil Smith kept the testimony brief, turning Moore over for cross-examination.
Jeff Bagden asked, “Why do you think Mark Evans would organize his own homicide?”
Blake recounted how Mark had threatened him in high school after Blake dated Mark’s girlfriend behind his back.
Bagden then asked, “So, this isn’t the first time you interfered with Mark Evans’ relationships. Don’t you think if he wanted to destroy someone, he would have chosen you?”
Blake Moore couldn’t directly answer the question, muttering that his physical advantage over Mark would have prevented a confrontation.
“So, you think you could intimidate your friend into taking his own life? Is that why you felt comfortable taking his wife?” the prosecutor asked, then continued without waiting for an answer. “Your actions show you’re a narcissist who thinks he can have any woman and disregard friendship.”
Basil Smith objected, arguing the prosecutor was testifying rather than asking questions. The judge agreed and instructed the jury to disregard the prosecutor’s last statement.
Despite this, Blake was visibly upset but left the stand without further comment.
Basil Smith realized Blake’s testimony had backfired but hoped Lisa’s testimony might help. Lisa, more composed, emphatically stated she wasn’t involved in any attack on her husband and suggested he might have been carjacked.
Basil chose not to ask additional questions.
The prosecutor asked Lisa, “Where were you between midnight Saturday and 2:00 p.m. Sunday?”
Lisa, embarrassed, replied, “I was with Blake Moore at his house from 8:00 p.m. Saturday until about 1:30 p.m. Sunday.”
“You didn’t quite answer the question. Tell us what you did from midnight Saturday to Sunday.”
Lisa, flustered, said, “I was in Blake’s bedroom at midnight. We were, you know, doing it.”
“And how long did this last?” the prosecutor pressed.
“Probably until after 1:00 a.m.,” Lisa admitted, embarrassed.
“Then what?” he asked.
“We slept until about 5:45 a.m.,” she said.
“Was Mr. Moore in bed when you woke up?”
“Yes, he was there. We got busy again and went back to sleep around 6:30, then got up at 11:00 a.m.,” Lisa said quickly.