DNA tests are being done on a vital evidence which will be used in a trial against Jiwaka businessman Justin Parker, who is facing murder allegations in court.
Parker went before Justice Panuel Mogish on Wednesday where the state gave an update on the progress of the DNA test, which is being conducted by the City Mobile Medical Services. They are testing the shirt which was allegedly used by Parker to clean the blood of the late Lapan Nason at his Port Moresby home on Saturday, June 6, 2015.
The state informed the National Court that the medical service indicated that DNA tests usually take two weeks, but it can take longer, depending on the type of material used.
Justice Mogish told the state to file an affidavit to the court on the progress of the DNA test.
The matter will return to court on Nov 28 where an update on the tests will be given by the state. A trial date is also yet to be set.
On Dec 18, 2015, the Waigani District Court committed Parker to stand trial.
A total of 21 witness statements, including that of the police investigating officer, were relied on by the District Court to put his case to the National Court.
It is alleged that on June 6 this year at Gorobe Street, Badili, Parker of Minj in Jiwaka unlawfully and wilfully murdered Nason, who was his chief aircraft engineer.
He was charged for wilful murder under section 229 of the Criminal Code Act.
Parker, 43, is the managing director of Golden Valley Enterprises.
The late Nason, from New Ireland Province, was on life support at the Port Moresby General Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after the attack and passed away on Monday, June 8, from his injuries.
Parker’s co-accused, Akai Andekumo of Gembogl District, Chimbu Province, was however acquitted by the district court.
Senior Committal Court Magistrate Cosmas Bidar said Andekumo, who was employed by Parker as a security guard, played no part in the alleged attack on Nason.
(Loop PNG file picture of Parker last December walking out of the Bomana National Court house)