Police finish DNA analysis of blood in fatal crash

SEBEC – An analysis of DNA from blood splatters found inside a vehicle that crashed and killed two young men on Oct. 21 on the North Road has been completed by the Maine State Police crime laboratory.

The results of the DNA testing and an examination of the vehicle, as well as other evidence collected at the scene by Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department, has been turned over to Piscataquis District Attorney R. Christopher Almy, according to Lt. Robert Young of the sheriff’s department.

It is expected that the evidence will reveal who the driver of the vehicle was on the night of the crash, he said Friday.

Young said conducting DNA tests for motor vehicle accidents isn’t that common because in most cases, police can determine who was operating the vehicle.

Almy said Friday, “It’s a very serious case, and where two people have died, it’s very important the state do a complete and thorough investigation.

“We’re still investigating some forensic evidence in that case, and when that’s completed, then we will be in a better position to make a firm decision as to who will be charged and with what.”

Drake Martell, 21, of Sangerville and Elias Russell, 22, of Parkman both died instantly after the 2004 Mazda MZ6 in which they were traveling crashed through some trees about 10 to 15 feet above the ground and landed on the ground about 20 feet from the road, police said. The vehicle was demolished.

Heath St. Louis, 21, of Guilford, who also was in the vehicle, survived the crash but suffered bruises and cuts. A motorist spotted him running from the scene, yelling and trying to get help, according to police.

The evidence and samples will help police determine who was driving the car and what caused the accident, according to Young. He said there were blood splatters in different places in the vehicle, and the DNA tests on the blood will tell police who was sitting where inside the vehicle.