No DNA or fingerprints tie Batchelor to the murder weapon

ESCANABA –Forensic science and biology experts from the Michigan State Police as well as the FBI took the stand about their findings.

Two types of blood were found on Kallay’s shirt, but the second type of blood could not be determined, according to forensic analyst Sarah Rambat.

“The minor donor to this mixture was at a very low level,” said Rambat. “I could tell that there was a second person contributing, but I was not able to make any conclusions because it was basically right at our detection threshold. I’m not able to say anything about that minor donor.”

Two types of DNA were found underneath Heathers left fingernails, hers and Kallay’s, but only Heather’s DNA was found on the stained bed sheet, knife blade and knife handle. Michigan State Police Forensic Scientist Fingerprint Analyst Derek Emmy found what he called a ‘ridge structure’ on the knife handle, but just finding a ridge structure wasn’t conclusive enough for fingerprint identification.

“It is a latent print, but it’s a latent print not of comparison value, meaning that the source of that is from the rigid skin area of our hands,” said Emmy. “In this case, I couldn’t tell if it was a finger or a palm.”

After all six forensic experts testified, no definitive DNA proof was presented that Kallay was ever involved with the knife that was used in the murder. The afternoon session focused on the interrogation video when Kallay was arrested.

Escanaba Public Safety Detective Sergeant Anthony LaPlant, the man in charge of the murder investigation, took over the interrogation the morning of the crime. Like Det. Todd Chouinard, LaPlant wasn’t buying Batchelor’s stories, especially his defensive wounds.

“Were you thinking, man how am I going to kill her? Did you premeditate this?” said LaPlant.

“I didn’t premeditate murder,” said Batchelor.

“I asked were you thinking about it? So how did it happen? Was it heat of the moment?” asked LaPlant.

LaPlant grilled Batchelor for what seemed like hours. Finally, Batchelor caved.

“Alright, let’s clear the air. It wasn’t murder. It was probably self-defense. I didn’t mean to kill her,” he said.

Batchelor changed his story for a third time, now telling police that his wife was dead before he left the house that night. Kallay claimed that Heather pulled the knife on him.

More video evidence from the initial arrest and testimony from Detective Sergeant LaPlant is scheduled for court Tuesday morning.