Donald Simley

Forensic dentist Donald Simley examined badly burned dental fragments and rejoined pieces of Tooth No. 31 for comparison with dental X-rays labeled for Teresa Halbach. In both trials, he said the reconstructed material was very consistent with those records but declined to make a positive identification because too little of the tooth remained for further comparison. In Dassey’s trial, he characterized the identification as probable, noting that he had essentially one usable fragment and no whole tooth. Cross-examined in Avery’s trial, Simley could not determine the fire’s temperature or how long the fragments had been exposed. He said the damage suggested extreme heat or prolonged exposure, while acknowledging that estimating house-fire temperatures was outside his expertise. Defense counsel did not cross-examine him in Dassey’s trial.