SAN ANGELO, Texas - Mark Norwood's capital murder trial continues in San Angelo. Jurors spent Wednesday looking at evidence from Christine Morton's 1986 murder.
Michael Morton took the stand first this week. He wrongfully spent 25 years in prison for his wife's murder but was exonerated after new DNA evidence linked another man to the crime -- 58 year-old Mark Norwood.
Christine Morton's brother, John Kirkpatrick, testified first Wednesday morning, telling jurors that when he arrived on scene in 1986, he didn't think enough was being done, so he took matters into his own hands. That's when he discovered a discolored blue bandanna. Years later that bandanna showed blood from Christine and Norwood, linking him to the crime scene. That same evidence freed Michael Morton from prison.
"One of the lawyers with the Innocence Project have talked to me about all of the crazy things that have gone on and how one seemingly insignificant act can be so consequential. And since she is a self-professed atheist she said, 'You know, your case makes me believe in God," Morton told reporters, laughing. "But it is amazing how one little thing can have such an effect. I guess it's a butterfly effect."
When Morton testified Tuesday, it was the first time he's come face to face with Norwood.
"There are always some police between me and him, he doesn't make eye contact so it's not personal yet. I'm still working through that. But, um, it's not as intense as I expected it might be," Morton claimed.
Prosecutors say the bandanna and a stolen .45 caliber pistol link Norwood to the murder, defense attorneys, Ariel Payan and Russ Hunt, questioned witnesses Wednesday on their memory of the decade old case. They also urge jurors to consider if the evidence could have been contaminated over the years.
Norwood is pleading innocent in this case. His family is also at the trial in San Angelo. They believe he is innocent, and say there is much more to be revealed in this case.
KVUE.com and KVUE News will have full coverage of Norwood's trial over the coming weeks. Check the website and download our FREE KVUE News mobile app for up-to-date coverage.
