MONTREAL - The jury in Luka Rocco Magnotta's first-degree murder trial is hearing from a forensic biologist who examined stains found inside the accused's apartment and other exhibits gathered at the crime scene.
Jacinthe Prevost says she watched a so-called murder video before conducting her search through the apartment for blood and other elements.
The 32-year-old Magnotta has pleaded not guilty to five charges in the murder and dismemberment of Chinese engineering student Jun Lin in late May 2012.
Prevost told the jury today she also examined some 94 exhibits as part of her report and found the DNA of two people at the scene: Lin's and that of an individual later identified as Magnotta.
Magnotta has admitted to the acts he's accused of in Lin's death, but is arguing he is not criminally responsible by way of mental disorder.
Earlier today, the jury heard from the first patrol officer to enter the apartment to look for other victims or a possible suspect. Peter D'Avola said he was struck by a chemical odour emanating from inside.
"Once I entered...I was struck by a strong chemical smell, it was mixed with the smell of a cadaver," D'Avola said, adding it was something he'd never experienced before.
D'Avola said he didn't find anyone inside the unit, but found visible red substances he believed to be blood in certain places in the apartment.
The charges against Magnotta are first-degree murder; criminally harassing Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other members of Parliament; mailing obscene and indecent material; committing an indignity to a body; and publishing obscene materials.
