First DNA Evidence In Florence Workplace Murder

David Dooley

file photo

(Florence, Ky.) - Newly released DNA evidence in the murder of a woman at a Florence business shows her DNA was present, but unidentified DNA at the scene does not belong to the prime suspect.

David Dooley, 38, of Burlington, is accused in the murder of Michelle Mockbee. The 43-year-old was found murdered at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Florence in May of 2012.

Mockbee, a human resources employee, was found dead by co-workers arrive for work that morning. Previous court filings suggest Mockbee was beaten to death with blood appearing around the crime scene.

Dooley, an overnight janitor at Thermo Fisher, was charged with her murder in September. Since then, Dooley and his wife, who is also a janitor and was a friend of Mockbee, have maintained his innocence since his arrest.

In a new court filing asking for a reduced bond, defense attorney Eric Deters claims that little DNA other than the Mockbee's has been found at the scene. There was one other person’s DNA, but it does not belong to Dooley. The defense motion also states that there was no trace of blood evidence in Dooley’s vehicle.

“It is undisputed that Mr. Dooley left Fisher Scientific the morning of the crime,” Deters said in the court motion. “It is presumed that this is when the Commonwealth suspects that Defendant disposed of any evidence. After viewing the photographs of the victim, it is completely implausible to believe that no trace evidence was left behind in Defendant’s truck. Defendant was gone from the facility for approximately 40 minutes, 30 of which involved driving to and from his home across town. This leaves approximately 5 to 10 minutes for Defendant to wipe the entire interior of his vehicle clean of any evidence.”

However, Boone County Commonwealth Attorney Linda Talley Smith said that only the first round of DNA testing on evidence has been completed. More rounds of tests, as well as dozens more items, still have to be processed.

Citing the DNA evidence, Deters has asked a judge to lower his client’s $1 million bond. Dooley remains at the Boone County Jail charged with Murder, Kidnapping, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Deters contends that if allowed out of jail on bond, Dooley is not a threat or flight risk.

“Despite statements from Defendant’s bitter ex wife, Defendant has no record of violent criminal activity. For the past 10 years, Defendant has posed no threat to the community and despite the present charges, continues to pose no threat to the citizen of Boone County or anywhere else,” Deters wrote.

A friend of the Mockbee family released a statement on their behalf following the news Thursday:

“Michelle's friends and family remain confident in the prosecution team. There was enough evidence for an indictment, we are all confident that there will be for a conviction as well. DNA testing is ongoing. These are only the results of a few items from the first round of DNA testing. A considerable amount of evidence is still being tested. Justice for Michelle will prevail.”

Dooley’s trial is slated to begin August 19.

LINKS:

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