Experts testify suspect’s DNA matches evidence from crime scene

BAYBORO — A DNA sample taken from Vaughn Antonio Jones matches a sample found at the home of the couple he is charged with killing, according to testimony given Thursday.

Brenda Bissett, a former DNA specialist for the state Bureau of Investigation, said she was able to match blood from a boning knife presumed to be the murder weapon as well as several stains throughout the house to samples taken from the deceased, Richard and Rosa Flowers.

She also said she obtained a DNA sample from a work coat that belonged to Jones. That sample turned up a hit on the state’s DNA database, which prompted investigators to obtain a blood sample from Jones, she said.

According to Bissett, Jones’ DNA matched a mixed sample — including DNA from more than one person — taken from the interior front door of the Flowers residence, where the couple was killed Jan. 13, 2001.

Under questioning from Jones’ defense attorney, Sue Berry, Bissett admitted there had been instances in which she’d gotten DNA samples from two cases mixed up. However, she denied making any errors in the Jones case.

The samples Bissett worked with were taken by former SBI blood specialist Jed Taub, who continued his testimony from Wednesday. Berry raised the possibility that some of the samples may be prone to contamination.

“People are human,” she said. “Mistakes happen.”

Taub said the SBI lab did not have a problem with contamination while he was there.

The jury also heard testimony Thursday from SBI agent Eric Smith, who discussed an interview he had with Jones on Jan. 14, 2003. According to Smith, Jones said he was suffering from a migraine headache and was upset after breaking up with his girlfriend.

Smith said Jones also mentioned his financial difficulties — he was paid only $150 on Jan. 10 and spent much of it on cigarettes, beer and his girlfriend prior to the breakup.

The prosecution is expected to call more witnesses when the trial resumes today.

Jones is accused of beating and stabbing to death Richard and Rosa Flowers of Merritt on Jan. 13, 2003. The couple owned Custom Steel Boats, where Jones worked as an employee.

The prosecution has offered robbery as a motive for the crime. If convicted, Jones could face the death penalty.

Zac Goldstein can be reached at 635-5673 or at zgoldstein@freedomenc.com.

What Happened?

* Jeb Taub, a former blood specialist for the State Bureau of Investigation, testified about the scientific procedures he used to collect evidence and samples.

* Brenda Bissett, a former DNA specialist for the SBI, testified that she conducted DNA analysis on the samples given to her by Taub. She confirmed that DNA later taken from defendant Vaughn Antonio Jones matched a mixed sample taken from the interior front door of the Flowers residence.

* Eric Smith, SBI special agent, testified that Jones claimed to be upset that his girlfriend broke up with him and was suffering a migraine headache and money woes during an interview on the day the bodies were found.