Claremont serial killings trial podcast: ‘Prime suspect’s knife sent to the FBI’

• FBI examined knife, car fibres from former suspect
• Judge wants to limit days in court because of virus
• Coronavirus won’t halt WA’s trial of the century

Just as day 62 of the Claremont serial killings trial was ending, drama erupted in the courtroom.

Coronavirus-related drama.

Justice Hall hauled a security staff member into the courtroom after it emerged some pensioners and students were banned from entering the court.

He told the security officer their actions, which were approved by the security company’s general manager could amount to contempt of court, saying:

“I take this extremely seriously. The public has been discouraged from attending but not excluded.

"No one is to be excluded from this court other than by my order.”

During proceedings, former forensic police officer Victor Webb gave evidence, who told the court knives owned by the prime suspect at the time - Lance Williams’ - was sent to the FBI along with Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon’s hair and clothes.

Despite finding nothing, police still pursued him, overtly and round the clock, for years.

It wouldn’t be until 2008 that Lance Williams would be cleared.

Along with MACRO exhibits, exhibits from operation Ambrose - the investigation into the murder of Gerard Ross was sent to the FBI too.

In 1999 the FBI had technology that WA didn’t - that’s why the samples were sent there. WA police also sought the advice from the best entomologists and profilers in the world.

They stayed there until 2001, and what would come out of it would be the critical fibres that the prosecution say link Ciara Glennon, Jane Rimmer and the Karrakatta rape victim to Bradley Robert Edwards.

Join Tim Clarke, Natalie Bonjolo and criminal defence lawyer Damien Cripps as they discuss day 62.

If you have any questions for the podcast team, or any of their guests, send them to claremontpodcast@wanews.com.au

For more information on WA's trial of the century, head to TheWest.com.au

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