By Seamus McGraw
(Continued)
Court Rejects Defense Challenge, OK's DNA Test
The DNA test that reportedly matched Michelle's blood to a stain found on Rooney's trousers provided compelling enough evidence to overcome Sleigh's objection to an earlier court order requiring Rooney to submit DNA samples to investigators.
Before the amended order, Sleigh had argued that the state had failed to present any compelling grounds to suspect Rooney of involvement in Michelle's death.
Rooney had been a prime suspect in Michelle's case since she first disappeared after spending an evening with friends two weeks ago. Authorities quickly determined that the young woman had borrowed Rooney's cell phone and was videotaped by a surveillance camera walking alongside him on Burlington's Main Street in the moments before she vanished.
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| Michelle Gardner-Quinn walking with Brian Rooney |
Her disappearance triggered a massive search, and while police publicly held out hope that she would be found alive, they began to press Rooney, who according to a report published on the WCAX-TV Web site, spoke to investigators briefly and then refused to cooperate.
When the co-ed's body was recovered last week, authorities quickly arrested him on the unrelated sex charges that had surfaced during their probe.
Rooney, who remains in custody on $150,000 bail, has denied any involvement in Michelle's disappearance and death.
Previous Page
Police Seek Witnesses in Hunt for Michelle Gardner-Quinn
Mystery Man Seen Walking With Michelle Gardner-Quinn
Search for Michelle Gardner-Quinn Stretches from Virginia to Vermont
Michelle Gardner-Quinn, Vermont Co-Ed Disappeared
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