TNAG-0604-FCO40-752-Capital-punishment-in-Dependent-Territories-1977 — Page 97

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THURSDAY 6th OCTOBER 1977

Hearing resumed at 9:05 a.m.

Accused present

P.W. 23

John Hippard

S&S

Jury present

I live at 4112 Plaza Lane, Fairfax, Virginia. Special Agent assigned to

the F.B.I. Laboratory in Washington D.C. I have been so employed over ten

years. I have a B.Sc. in Biology and Chemistry from North Western Oklaho~~

States University. I did post graduate work at Kansas State College and

Adams State College.

{

5

I conduct microscopic examinations and comparisons of hairs fibass and

related material. I received a year intensive training under the direct

supervision of my Unit Chief and other experienced examiners in the Microscopic

Analysis Unit of the F.B.I. Lab. Until such time as the authorities · in the

Lab considered me qualified to conduct examinations on my own responsi-

bility.

My entire time, other than when I am out testifying, is devoted to

this work. I have testified in the capacity in about 80 Courts, in about

The equipment in the F.B.I. Lab is the finest in the

75 different cases,

world.

I was to conduct a comparison of 2 pieces of rope to determine if they

I was also to compare fibres from the accused's clothin

could be associated.

transfer

with fibres from the deceased's clothing to determine if a fibre

could be detected. In addition, I noted any hairs that I found. I received

10

15

the exhibits 9/2/77. I did the examinations at that time in the F.B.I. Lab.20

I observed that the ends or tips of the twine to see if it would be

possible to fit the ends together. Due to the frayed nature of the ends

they were not suitable for fitting together. I then observed the other

physical characteristic of the twine I compared the number strands there

were 3 strands. The direction of twist was observed and determined to the

Z twist.

T

25

(Witness is shown EXH. V.M. 7 and V.M. 15)

These are the strings I received for examination. I received them from Alvie. Hodge.

I found that the string from each exhibit was alike with regard to the

colour, construction and composition and accordingly these strings could

have originated from the same source.

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