Sarah Rambadt, a forensic scientist in the biology unit at the Michigan State Police (MSP) Grand Rapids Forensic Laboratory, testified about DNA evidence analyzed in the case.

Rambadt explained that her unit receives evidence that has already been screened for biological material, such as blood, and analyzes samples that may be suitable for DNA testing.

Among the evidence examined were a pair of Air Jordan slide sandals and work gloves recovered from Jackson’s truck. Multiple areas on the slides and gloves had previously tested positive for blood during earlier testing by forensic scientist Lisa Orabetz-Burling, with some stains confirmed to be human blood.

According to Rambadt, DNA testing showed Harley Corwin to be the most likely contributor to the stains found on several items linked to Jackson, including red-brown stains on the Air Jordan slides and a pair of black mechanic-style work gloves.

Sarah Rambadt, a forensic scientist in the biology unit at the Michigan State Police (MSP) Grand Rapids Forensic Laboratory, testified DNA testing showed Corwin to be the most likely contributor to the stains found on several items linked to Jackson, including stains on the Air Jordan slides and a pair of black mechanic-style work gloves. This photo shows one of the red-brown stains found on the sandals associated with Jackson. (Sophie Vogelmann)

Expert witness Justina Hass, a former forensic scientist with the (MSP) Marquette Forensic Laboratory, also testified Friday about fingerprint evidence in the case.

She worked as a latent print examiner in the lab’s latent print unit in 2023 and was asked by investigators to analyze Corwin’s vehicle for fingerprints. The investigating agency, previously reported to be the Delta County Sheriff’s Office, requested analysis of both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Hass noted that investigators did not request latent print analysis of the truck known to belong to Jackson.

During her examination of Corwin’s vehicle, Hass recovered 21 latent print lifts and documented 123 images of potential prints from the scene. She said she was able to identify a total of 16 fingerprints or palm prints from the vehicle, including prints belonging to Carolyne Corwin and Coy Corwin.

Hass also testified that one unidentified fingerprint was recovered from the vehicle. However, she said the print was not of sufficient quality to search in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System, or AFIS. The print was excluded from all known comparison samples she received, which included prints from Jackson, Harley Corwin and others connected to the case.

Fingerprint evidence was also discussed during Thursday’s proceedings after jurors learned of a discrepancy in a forensic report.

Hass testified that while preparing for trial she noticed a note in her report referencing two potential prints labeled “G” and “H” on Harley’s vehicle. However, she could not locate photographs or physical lifts of those prints.

“I didn’t have any physical latent lifts that I had collected, so I was questioning what that note indicated,” Hass said.

She explained the markings likely referred to areas of interest she initially documented but later determined were “of no value” for identification. Hass acknowledged she did not include that clarification in her original report and said she contacted former colleagues after discovering the discrepancy while preparing for her testimony in this case.

Additional witnesses who took the stand Friday included Delta County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Mike Groleau, who assisted in searches and phone data analysis; Andrew Metzler, a paramedic with UP Health System Rampart who bagged Harley’s body; and Larry Lapalm, who recovered one of the bullets found where Harley’s body had been using a metal detector.

Metzler testified about a separate incident from Feb. 28, 2023, when Rampart was called to respond to an alleged assault. He said he found Harley at a neighbor’s house with swelling on the left side of her face and upper lip, as well as blood around her nose.

According to Metzler, Harley told him she had been attacked by a female and her boyfriend and wanted to be evaluated because she was pregnant.

Jackson’s trial is expected to continue Monday. The 35-year-old faces one count of open murder – a felony punishable by up to life in prison – in the death of his ex-girlfriend, 22-year-old Harley Corwin. Corwin’s body was discovered in July 2023 near O.B. Fuller Park in Ford River Township.

He additionally faces one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, a two-year felony, and one count of assault resulting in the death of a fetus, also punishable by up to life imprisonment.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.