MSP evidence techs testify

The 1988 Chevrolet pickup that Eric Knysz borrowed from his dad on Sept. 9, 2013.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.  

MSP Lt. Jeff Crump holds the .357 Colt handgun box that was found in the pickup truck driven by Eric Knysz.

This post contains photographs that were taken of the blood stains at the crime scenes. 

LUDINGTON — The third day of testimony in the murder trial of 43-year-old Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield is underway. On trial is Eric John Knysz, 20, of Irons who has been charged with first degree murder of a peace officer, among other offenses.

Witnesses this morning were evidence and forensics personnel from the state police.

Sgt. Russell Karsten, a forensic scientist with the MSP Crime Lab, discussed the scene on North Custer Road in Free Soil Township where Trooper Paul Butterfield was murdered on Sept. 9, 2013. Karsten also discussed the bloody tissue he found in a burn barrel at the residence of Pete Knysz (Eric Knysz’s uncle) and Tammi Spofford (Eric Knysz’s mother) in the Irons area.

The bloody tissues were found in a burning barrel.

The bloody tissue was allegedly used by Eric Knysz to wipe Trooper Butterfield’s blood off the side of the red 1988 Chevrolet pickup that Eric and Sarah Knysz used to drive to Ludington that day.

Blood stains were found on the side of the pickup.

Det. Sgt. Sally Wolter testified about the blood samples that were taken from Butterfield’s body during the autopsy at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Kate Herrema, an MSP forensic scientist also discussed the DNA samples that were taken from evidence at the crime scenes.

Det. Sgt. Wolter shows blood sample vials from Trooper Butterfield.

The other crime scene discussed was the Knysz property near the intersection of Eight Mile and Mack roads near Irons. This was where Spofford was pulled over by Lake County deputies a few hours after Butterfield was shot in the head after he pulled over the red pickup truck.

Blood stains on the wheel well of the pickup.

Lt. Jeff Crump testified about the handgun box that was found in the red pickup. The serial numbers on the box match those of the Colt .357 handgun that was used to kill Butterfield.

We have been informed that John “Jack” Knysz, Eric’s father is scheduled to testify later today.

For more frequent updates, please be sure to follow us at www.facebook.com/MasonCountyPress or www.twitter.com/MasonCoPress. #TrooperMurderTrial.

Major sponsor of MCP’s trial coverage is FloraCraft of Ludington: www.floracraft.com. Additional sponsorship by Dollars & Sense Accounting of Ludington: 231-845-7292.