Testimony was underway today in the trial of Daniel Penny, a local man accused of murdering his wife in their home in June.
The first witness to take the stand was the couple’s neighbor, who reported hearing a loud argument coming from the Pennys’ residence on the night of the alleged crime. The neighbor testified that the argument seemed to get louder and more intense towards the end, and she could hear what sounded like furniture being moved around or broken.
The neighbor told the court that she decided to call the police to report the disturbance, as she was concerned for the safety of the Pennys and their children. Officer Johnson, who responded to the call, testified next, describing the scene that greeted him when he arrived at the house.
“When I got to the residence, I could see that the front door was slightly ajar,” Officer Johnson said. “I went inside and found the defendant, Daniel Penny, lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Mrs. Penny was lying near the kitchen table, and she was also covered in blood.”
The officer further testified that he found several pieces of broken glass near the kitchen table, including a shattered wine glass that had been left on the floor. He also located a broken lamp and several torn pieces of fabric nearby.
The prosecution’s first witness, Dr. Sarah Lee, a forensic pathologist, took the stand next. Dr. Lee testified that she performed the autopsy on Mrs. Penny and found evidence of a severe head injury, likely caused by a blunt object. She also found marks on Mrs. Penny’s arms and hands that appeared to be defensive wounds, consistent with a struggle having taken place.
The court is expected to hear further testimony from additional witnesses this week, including the prosecution’s key witness, Daniel Penny’s 12-year-old son, who may have seen or heard something that could be crucial to the case.