David Prevatte Murder Trial Day 3- Did he Kill His Niece?

David Prevatte Murder Trial Day 3- Did he Kill His Niece? Recorded family interviews, evidence recovered from the home, and testimony from Paitin Fields’ older sister take center stage on Day 3 of the David Prevatte murder trial in Pender County, North Carolina. Retired deputy John Leatherwood takes the stand as jurors hear recorded hospital interviews with Lisa and Dale Hunt. The recordings capture their accounts of Paitin’s condition and their reactions to investigators’ questions about her injuries. Lt. Daniel Wells details the search of the family home, walking jurors through photographs and items collected as evidence. Phone charging cords and red earbuds receive particular attention as Wells explains why investigators collected items that could have been used as a ligature. Jurors also examine the earbuds up close. The day’s proceedings include testimony from Paitin’s older sister, who was seven when the events occurred. She says she saw Prevatte near the couch where Paitin was lying before noticing something wrong with her sister’s eyes. During cross-examination, the defense questions her recollection, including what woke her and why she did not report seeing Prevatte near the couch that night. Prevatte faces first-degree murder and child sexual offense charges in the November 2017 death of his five-year-old niece. He has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege he sexually assaulted and strangled Paitin; his defense maintains that he was attempting to save her life after she was found unresponsive. Follow Trial World for continued coverage of NC v. David Prevatte and more courtroom proceedings. Share your thoughts on the testimony and evidence below, and keep the discussion respectful. #DavidPrevatte #PaitinFields #TrialWorld