Handwriting expert fingers Brooks

Forensic Document Examiner testifies about the handwriting on a Fed Ex shipping label.

Handwriting expert fingers Brooks

By TRENT SPINER
Union Leader Correspondent

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008


BRENTWOOD – Prosecutors yesterday rested their case against accused killer John "Jay" Brooks after laying out evidence for more than a month implicating him in the murder of a Derry trash hauler.

The move opens the possibility for Brooks to take the stand in his own defense as early as this morning, though his attorneys would not comment on their plans.
Brooks, a multimillionaire businessman from Derry, has so far been largely emotionless throughout the trial as two of his alleged accomplices pointed the finger at him in the murder of Jack Reid Sr., 57.

Brooks' testimony could prove important for jurors trying to determine his intent when he allegedly lured Reid to a Deerfield barn in the summer of 2005. Because prosecutors are seeking a capital murder conviction against Brooks, they have the burden to show Brooks orchestrated Reid's killing after "substantial planning and premeditation."

Prosecutors spent yesterday questioning DNA and handwriting analysts who examined evidence in the case.

Alan Robillard, a documents expert, testified it was Brooks' writing on a shipping label used to send a package to the murder scene. While the name "Jay Brice" was listed on the slip, Robillard said he thoroughly examined the writing to determine it likely was done by Brooks.

Full article:
http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Handwriting+expert+fingers+Brooks&articleId=ef9478b4-141d-4712-a797-ba04d4525ba2



similar article on the Brooks case: http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2008/10/07/state_rests_in_nh_murder_for_hire_trial/