In the ongoing trial of Tony Humby, the focus in court on Tuesday turned to the police investigators who conducted forensic work following his arrest, shifting away from the testimonies of men who accused Humby of sexual abuse during their youth.
Sgt. Sherry Legge of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was part of a four-person forensic team that meticulously searched Humby’s trailer on Hussey Drive after his arrest in the spring of 2023. The team spent a week cataloging and collecting potential evidence, ranging from stuffed toys to flannel sheets and curtains.
Subsequently, the RNC sent four separate batches of materials to the RCMP crime lab on the mainland for testing. These materials were compared against samples obtained from several complainants in the case, as well as from four additional men not listed as complainants.
An RCMP DNA specialist is set to testify about the results of the testing on Wednesday. Defense lawyer Mark Gruchy raised concerns about the security of Humby’s trailer during the two months between his arrest and the RNC search, noting reported break-ins during that period. Legge acknowledged the time lapse but explained that the scene was secured during the RNC search, despite no swabs being taken around the window used for one break-in due to contamination.
The trial recently saw the final living complainant complete his testimony after a delay caused by illness. This individual alleges that Humby abused him on multiple occasions between the ages of 12 and 19. During cross-examination, Gruchy highlighted inconsistencies in the man’s accounts to the police and the prosecutor, with a total of ten complainants testifying during the trial.
The eleventh complainant passed away a year ago, and the Crown is expected to seek permission to introduce their prior statements to the police as evidence later this week, despite their death.