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Day two of Levack murder trial
Posted: 04.26.2012 at 4:40 AM
Updated: 04.26.2012 at 10:20 AM
Beth Cefalu

Reporter

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Examination of witnesses continued

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CRYSTAL FALLS -- Wednesday was day two of the trial of 45-year-old David Levack, accused of the murder of 81-year-old Joyce Johnson.

When Joyce Johnson’s body was found, she was lying in her bathtub filled with water.  One of her caretakers, Victoria Bourassa, testified that Johnson was a creature of habit. One of those habits was always taking a shower.  Not a bath.

“She didn't like to be sitting in her own filthy water. She was also afraid she won't be able to get up after,” explains Bourassa. 

Another witness, Michael Stachovitz, who owns property near Johnson's home, testified he discovered Levack on his property two days prior to Johnson's body being found.  Levack told Stachovitz he was bird watching and had a bet with a friend to get a picture of a woodpecker. Stachovitz testified that Levack was wearing camouflage and binoculars, but he didn't see a camera. 

After the first half of the day's testimonies from residents who live around Johnson's home, expert witnesses took the stand.  The first of the forensic scientists was John Lucey, who specialized in footwear impressions. The second was David Johnson, an expert in fingerprints, who discussed results of prints he lifted.

The trial could last up to two weeks. Thursday, witnesses closely associated with Levack and Johnson are expected to take the stand.  If convicted, Levack could face life in prison.

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