Bloodstain Expert Returns to Erick Buhr Second-Degree Murder Trial

Warning: This story contains details that some readers may find disturbing.

The Crown has rested its case in the second-degree murder trial of Erick Buhr.

Buhr is accused of the death of his grandmother, Viola Erb. The 88-year-old woman was found injured in her home on the outskirts of Baden on September 24, 2022. She was pronounced dead minutes after first responders arrived at the scene.

On Wednesday morning, a Peel Regional Police bloodstain pattern analysis expert completed his testimony at Buhr’s trial.

Detective Robert Hofstetter examined Erb’s home after his death and came to several conclusions based on the bloodstains he found there.

Among them, Hofstetter told the jury there was evidence of at least three distinct areas of impact: one in the front hallway, another in a space between the hallway and the kitchen, and one in the kitchen where Erb’s body was located. The blood was tested and identified as Erb.

Hofstetter also determined that in all three areas, the source of the blood was in or near the ground.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Bruce Ritter asked Hofstetter if he could say what kind of force could create these patterns.

“It’s a kind of blunt blow,” Hofstetter said, adding that it can include actions such as punching, kicking or striking.

Hofstetter also concluded that Erb came into contact with the entryway baseboard and moved or was moved into the kitchen.

He testified that a person, whose bare feet were wet with Erb’s blood, passed through the front entry area, kitchen, dining room, staircase to the second floor, upper hallway, upstairs bathroom, and upstairs bedroom. up. They then went to the bedroom closet, where Erb’s blood was found on the wall near a light switch.

Blood stain in the house of Viola Erb and Erick Buhr. (Court Show)The jury heard from other witnesses that the upstairs bedroom was Buhr’s.

A pair of blood-stained jeans, also found there, was also tested.

“The front of the jeans…was close to and exposed to spatter involving Viola Erb’s blood,” Hofstetter told the jury Tuesday.

Jeans found in Erick Buhr’s home after his grandmother’s fatal attack. (Court Show)
During questioning, Ritter asked Hofstetter about another blood pattern found on those jeans: a right hand print on the upper right leg.

Hofstetter said the way the impression was made suggests there was some kind of touching and probably a squeeze and release. He added that he could not say whose hand left the print.

Blood stain on the bathroom sink at Viola Erb and Erick Buhr’s house. (Court Show)The defense also asked about a stain of diluted blood found in an upstairs bathroom sink. Hofstetter testified that, given the location, someone could have washed their hands there.

Ritter confirmed with Hofstetter that the blood in the bathroom was tested and contained the DNA of at least one man and one woman. Tests showed the male DNA was Buhr’s. The other sample, belonging to a woman, was not identified.

Now that the Crown’s case has been closed, the defense will have the opportunity to gather evidence if they wish.

Court is scheduled to resume Thursday morning.