Skip to Content

Defense to call former suspect, 2 convicted murders to testify in Brad Compher trial

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - DNA evidence found on the window of Nori Jones' home was Brad Compher's. That's according to Forensic DNA Analyst Cindy Hall who testified Wednesday in Compher's murder trial. Hall said the chance of it being someone else is 1 in 93 trillion, which is greater than the world population.

The DNA was found on the outside window where the screen was cut on three sides and left open. Police believe this is where the killer entered the home. 

DNA Analyst Cindy Hall testifies in the Brad Compher murder trial Feb. 28, 2024.

DNA Analyst Derek Cutler from Sorenson Labs testified they did what is called YSDR testing. It separates male DNA from female DNA. He testified sperm cells were found in Nori Jones' sexual assault kit and under her fingernails.

The sexual assault kit DNA was identified as a match to Brad Compher. They said it was 106 times more likely to match Compher than any random male in a Caucasian population.

But because it is from a YSDR or male profile it could not be identified exclusively as Compher’s DNA because Y chromosomes or male DNA  is passed down in its entirety from father to son. 

Both Robert Spillet and Reo Wilde were eliminated as donors of that DNA sample. 

The prosecution wrapped up their case Wednesday and the defense begins their case Thursday. The defense will be calling on some very interesting witnesses to testify.

Robert Spillet was, at one time, a suspect in the case. He will be the first witness for tomorrow. 

And two convicted murderers are also on the witness list for the defense. One of them is Torey Adamcik, the man convicted of killing Cassie Jo Stoddard in 2006. He is currently being held in the Bannock County Jail until he has testified.

Brian Draper is also on the witness list. He was the other man convicted in Cassie Jo  Stoddart’s murder.


PREVIOUS STORY - The Brad Compher trial continued in Pocatello on Wednesday.

The jury was out of the courtroom much of the morning as attorneys were making arguments with the judge.  

One argument is from the state. They want to talk about how Compher changed his name. His name was Ralph Roy Compher.  He changed it to Brad Scott Compher on January 6, 2008. They said that date is important.

The defense then argued at looking to call Robert Spillet to the stand. Spillet is the man who was suspected of killing Nori Jones in 2004.  According to previous testimony, Spillet harassed Nori at work. They said that is partially why she purchased a diamond ring so she could tell Spillet she was engaged. 

The jury was allowed back in the courtroom after the arguments.  They are hearing testimony from Pocatello Police Detective Anthony Busch.  

He took DNA samples from Spillet at the time of the murder. 

Jury watches video of compher being interviewed by police.

The jury listened to an interview with the Pocatello Police and Brad Compher 7 years after the murder.

He denies he has ever been to Nori Jones' house. When confronted with evidence that his prints were in the house, he says he doesn’t ever remember being there.

The audio in the recording keeps cutting out leaving the jury with several important missing pieces to the interview conversation.

Linda Larsen is at the trial. She will continue to give us updates on the trial. Look for them in this story.

You can view our previous story HERE.

Article Topic Follows: Crime Tracker

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Linda Larsen

Linda is an anchor and reporter for Local News 8.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content