Expert witnessWisconsin Department of Justice, Crime Laboratory Bureau

Ronald L. Groffy

Crime Lab imaging analyst who photographed vehicles and conducted presumptive blood tests on the RAV4.

172 lines·5 proceedings·3 mentions·2 trials

About

Ronald L. Groffy testified in Avery’s trial about crime-lab photographs of Teresa Halbach’s RAV4 and Avery’s Grand Am. He described reddish stains in the RAV4 and reported positive presumptive blood tests on its dashboard and in its cargo area. On cross-examination, he explained that his initial RAV4 photographs were limited to exterior views and interior views he could capture without entering, before other analysts processed the vehicle. He distinguished photographs taken on different days and acknowledged limits on what he could identify or recall from his observations. In Dassey’s trial, Sherry Culhane identified Groffy as the Crime Lab analyst who took RAV4 photographs discussed during her testimony.

Trial Record (5)

AverySteven AveryFeb 12, 2007 – Mar 18, 2007Called by prosecution

Ronald L. Groffy testified in Steven Avery's 2007 trial about crime-lab photographs of the RAV4 and Grand Am and positive presumptive blood tests on two areas of the RAV4. Cross-examination established limits on his initial vehicle access and observations.

Day 10

Feb 23, 2007

DirectRonald L. Groffy — DirectRonald L. GroffyNorman A. Gahn60lines spoken

Summary

Groffy identified vehicle photographs and reported positive presumptive blood tests on two areas of the RAV4.

CrossRonald L. Groffy — CrossRonald L. GroffyJerome F. Buting112lines spoken

Summary

Groffy described limits on his RAV4 testing, clarified photograph timing and fingerprint markings, and testified about the driver's-seat fit. The court admitted the vehicle photographs.

ProceduralEnd-of-day jury admonition after Culhane’s direct examinationMentioned

Summary

The court gave jurors weekend instructions, then admitted forensic exhibits and reviewed outstanding exhibit status. The defense reserved its position on whether five Crime Lab reports should go to the jury during deliberations.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

Day 23

Mar 14, 2007

ClosingState’s Closing Argument by Kenneth KratzKenneth R. KratzMentioned

Summary

Kratz began the State's closing with the RAV4, blood and DNA evidence, and burned electronics; an objection led the court to remind jurors that argument is not fact.

Mentioned in this proceeding.

DasseyBrendan DasseyApr 16, 2007 – Apr 25, 2007

Ronald Groffy's Crime Lab photographs of Teresa Halbach's RAV4 were discussed in Brendan Dassey's trial.

Day 3

Apr 18, 2007

DirectSherry Culhane — DirectSherry CulhaneNorman A. GahnMentioned

Summary

DNA analyst Sherry Culhane attributed DNA from several RAV4 items and a key to Steven Avery, and DNA from the cargo area, a Pepsi can, and a bullet fragment to Teresa Halbach; she limited her conclusion about charred tissue to a partial-profile comparison.

Mentioned in this proceeding.