Prosecutors narrowed in on DNA evidence on day seven of Brian Walshe’s trial, with witnesses detailing the process of analyzing samples from blood-stained slippers to a hacksaw and hatchet.

“The DNA profile from this item is at least 30 nanillion times more likely if it originated from Ana Walshe than if it originated from an unknown, unrelated individual, and this provides support for inclusion of Ana Walshe to this DNA profile,” said Salman Saleem, forensic scientist 3 in the DNA unit at the Massachusetts State Police crime lab, speaking of a stained area on the blade of a hacksaw.

Forensic specialists spoke to the lengthy process of DNA collection and analysis on Tuesday in Norfolk Superior Court, where Brian Walshe stands trial on charges he killed his wife before dismembering and disposing of her body in January 2023.

Brian Walshe pleaded guilty to lying to investigators when Ana Walshe first disappeared and mishandling her remains ahead of his trial. However, the defense has claimed she died of “sudden unexplained death,” and the husband covered up her death in fear of losing custody of his children.

Without a body, prosecutors during the trial have turned to blood and other forensic evidence for details of her death.

Witnesses testified Tuesday that evidence supports the conclusion that Ana’s DNA was found on several objects.

These included stained dark grey slippers, several spots and stains on a Tyvek suit — a lightweight, disposable coverall used in activities like painting or cleanup — unknown tissue found in a Swampscott dumpster, samples of a red brown stain on the houses’ basement floor, the blade and handle of a hacksaw, a towel with red brown stains, stained hairs, a rug with red brown stains, and a hatchet.

A state trooper previously testified several of the items, including the Tyvek suit, hatchet and hacksaw, were found in a Swampscott dumpster and trash compactor, where Walshe’s phone had been tracked to.

Brian Walshe’s DNA could be confirmed on several items as well, Saleem testified. Evidence of his DNA could be found on a spot on the Tyvek suit and a piece of tape with gauze and a red brown stain, she said.

Defense attorney Larry Tipton pushed back on the process of DNA collection and identification, stirring doubt about how the DNA was deposited, whether other DNA could be present and more.

“Based on all of your observations of the data and the results here, once again, you can’t say how any of the biological material was deposited on any of these items, correct?” Tipton said.

“That’s correct,” Saleem answered.

“And you cannot tell the jury — and it’s the limitation of the DNA testing — you can’t tell when it was deposited correct?” Tipton continued, before Saleem said correct.

“For instance, if there is a particular object, like a tool, let’s say a hatchet, you cannot tell from your DNA testing if that hatchet actually ever came into contact with the biological material –” Tipton began before the prosecution objected.

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The prosecution ended the day by calling the district loss prevention manager for Home Goods in the area and playing more videos of Brian Walshe appearing to buy more items, like a rug and a bath mat, in the days after his wife went missing.

The video evidence follows several similar videos shown on day six, including ones appearing to show the suspect purchase items like a mop, painters buckets, rags, three 64-ounce bottles of ammonia, and five bottles of hydrogen peroxide in the first days of January 2023.

The trial will resume Wednesday at 10 a.m.

This hatchet is among the tools presented as evidence in the trial of Brian Walshe on murder charges in connection with the death of his wife Ana. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)