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Expert:
Schweitzer’s DNA
doesn’t match
However, the suspect is not
excluded from crimes in the
Dana Ireland caseUnusual requirement upsets trial observers
By Rod Thompson
Star-BulletinHILO -- DNA from sperm found in murder victim Dana Ireland's body didn't match any of 17 known samples, including the DNA of suspect Albert Ian Schweitzer, an expert testified.
The testimony of California forensic scientist Lisa Calandro yesterday was the last in the case.
Schweitzer did not testify, nor did Kenneth Gann, the second of two men who allegedly heard confessions from Schweitzer.
Jurors will hear closing arguments from attorneys on Monday and will begin deliberations.
Schweitzer, 28, is accused of kidnapping, sexual assault and murder in the Christmas Eve 1991 attack on Ireland, 23, a newcomer to the Big Island.
Calandro's testimony does not necessarily exclude Schweitzer from the crime, since he allegedly confessed to joining the attack on Ireland, but not to raping her.
If he helped someone else commit a sexual assault, he would be guilty of that crime, too.
Schweitzer's acquaintance Frank Pauline Jr., 26, was convicted of the same charges last year. Schweitzer's brother Shawn, 24, is to be tried next month.
Calandro also testified that the DNA from Ireland didn't match Shawn Schweitzer or Pauline. In fact, she said she was given samples from 17 people, including one from a person who had been dead for "a couple of years," she said.
The tissues of the dead person, whose name was not revealed, were preserved in formaldehyde, she said. The chemical made it impossible for her to get a DNA profile for him, she said.
That person is believed to be the theorized fourth person who allegedly attacked Ireland, although none of the alleged confessions by the Schweitzers or Pauline mentioned a fourth attacker.
Calandro testified that sperm from a "major donor" could hide the DNA of sperm from "minor donors." She also said one or more of the attackers could have used a condom or could have stopped the sexual assault before ejaculating.
On Wednesday, Judge Riki May Amano denied a defense motion to acquit Schweitzer because of allegedly insufficient evidence.
Unusual sign-in requirement
upsets Ireland trial observersJudge Riki May Amano wants visitors
Star-Bulletin staff
to indicate their name and purposeHILO -- Judge Riki May Amano yesterday required all visitors to the trial of Albert Ian Schweitzer to sign in before entering the courtroom. The measure is believed to be unprecedented on the Big Island.
The reason was unclear, although it followed events beginning Tuesday when Amano instructed her bailiff to take the names of everyone already inside the court. Observers said that is rare but sometimes done.
Chuck Hanson, 54, a Glenwood farmer who was in the court when names were taken, said the bailiff asked if he was a witness but wouldn't explain further. "It's like she wasn't telling me the truth," he said.
Hanson wrote a letter to the judge, who then called Hanson before her Wednesday. She told him she needed to know who was in the court and why they were there.
Yesterday, a walk-through metal detector, which had been unused through much of the trial, was back in use. In addition, a guard required all visitors to sign in.
A witness testified last week that he had received threats. But the only witness yesterday was a DNA expert.
Big Island Press Club President Patricia Tummons commented: "The right of the public to observe is impeded by the requirement that people identify themselves. That's not right."
Amano declined to comment.
Dana Ireland Archive
