Testimony continues in day 3 of Smithfield homicide trial
Expert witnesses shared testimony Wednesday on the gun said to be used in a Smithfield homicide, found disassembled and damaged in a plastic bag.
Wiley Estil Gambrel, 59, of Uniontown is facing trial for criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and possession of a firearm prohibited in the death of 45-year-old James “Jay” Plance July 18 at a trailer Plance shared with his girlfriend, Deana Jeane Hughes, 34.
The three were involved in a love triangle, according to police, involving “threesomes” in exchange for crack cocaine Gambrel would purchase.
He allegedly shot Plance in the face in front of Hughes, then stuffed his body in a cardboard box he took to his HVAC shop in Georges Township.
Plance was shot from 18 to 24 inches away, according to forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht.
“I would consider it to be a homicide, based on the distance the shot was fired,” he said.
His toxicology results showed a “significant level” of cocaine, Wecht said.
He determine the bullet entered Plance’s face near the bridge of his nose on the left side. Bullet fragments were found at the base of his skull.
The .22-caliber rifle was found in a plastic trash bag in Gambrel’s van outside the shop, police testified. It was taken apart and damaged as though it was struck, according to expert witnesses involved with state police forensics.
Forensic firearms and toolmarks examiner Cpl. Robert Hagins was able to test fire the rifle after reassembling it. He was unable to replicate an accidental discharge in tests.
“I could not get this firearm to discharge in any way but by pulling that trigger,” he said.
In comparing the bullet fragments found during the autopsy to the rounds used in the test fires, he said he was able to determine a similar type of gun caused the fatal injury. He was unable to determine whether that exact gun was used.
In crime investigations, .22-caliber rifles are frequently used in homicides, he said.
“It’s commonly encountered in my line of work as a homicide firearm,” he said.
Gambrel’s hands also tested positive for gunshot residue, according to Albert Lattanzi, a forensic scientist with the state police crime lab.
Both Gambrel and Hughes were tested for gunshot residue. Particles “characteristic” of gunshot residue were found on both of Gambrel’s palms and on the back of his left hand. The results indicated Gambrel may have handled or discharged a firearm, or came into contact with gunshot residue, he said.
Characteristics that were “indicative” particles of gunshot residue were found on Hughes’ hands, which he said was very common.
“Most of us have them on our hands,” he said.
Gambrel’s attorney, assistant public defender Michael Aubele, questioned the statement during cross-examination.
“Now, you don’t find indicative particles on every hand that you test,” he said.
“Oh, I do,” Lattanzi answered.
Gunshot residue can be removed by washing hands or showering, wiping the hands off or with daily activities over a six-hour period, he said.
Gambrel showered and moved the gun to the van before he was taken into custody, according to testimony.
Samples from Gambrel’s hands were taken about 8 hours after the shooting, and samples were taken from Hughes about half an hour earlier.
Hughes testified Tuesday she did not shower or wash her hands.
Testimony will continue on Thursday.