But when Hurchins testified that the mixture was also found in the trunk of the Dodge Dynasty Janson had borrowed and was driving, Cushman asked if there was any way of determining whether the mixture was the same as that found in the house. Hurchins said there wasn't. Cushman then asked if there was any way to determine when the traces of fuel got into the trunk lining. Again, Hurchins said the tests would not show that. Cushman had made it clear in his opening statement Monday that because the Dodge was an old car borrowed from a local used car lot, there are any number of ways such fuel samples could get into an enclosed trunk and remain there.
Today is to be a short trial day.
Judge Robert Mathis had explained at the beginning of the week that he would be having minor eye surgery Thursday afternoon and would recess the trial at noon. Wednesday, Mathis told both the defense and prosecuting attorneys that he had cleared Monday and Tuesday of next week on his calendar and, if necessary, would carry the trial into a second week rather than keep the jury over the weekend. Prosecuting attorney Steven Bledsoe expressed doubt Tuesday that he will complete the state's side of the case by Friday. Please read our Privacy Policy. Advertise with us in print or online.