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WATERLOO Following brief opening arguments, prosecutors wasted no time Wednesday and immediately presented crime scene and forensic evidence in the double first-degree murder trial of Theresa "Terri" Supino.

The 54-year-old is accused in the 1983 killings of her estranged husband, 20-year-old Steven Fisher, and his girlfriend, 17-year-old Melisa Gregory at the former Copper Dollar Ranch northwest of Newton.

During opening arguments, First Assistant Jasper County Attorney Scott Nicholson told jurors the theme of their case is "a jigsaw puzzle" with nine integral pieces. Establishing Supino's motive to kill her estranged husband and Gregory will be center to the state's case, and Nicholson mentioned their marital problems, including Fisher's infidelity, in his talking points.

The state called former Jasper County Sheriff Mike Balmer a deputy who first responded to the scene in 1983 and he testified about the initial crime scene investigation. He analyzed a crime scene video shown in court originally shot by then-Sheriff Alan Wheeler in 1983. Balmer testified statements from Terri Supino and her twin brother Tim Supino differed when describing clothing Fisher was wearing when they arrived at the CDR to speak with him after 11 p.m. the night of the murder. Tim Supino, Balmer said, described Fisher as shirtless the way he appeared following the murder where as Terri Supino described him wearing a flannel when they allegedly left the ranch.

As footage and stills of the victims played on the screen Supino turned away, staring at her table while covering her mouth. Despite the graphic imagery, jurors appeared mostly unphased by the photos. Only a single female juror was noticeable bothered by the photos showing the victims brutally beaten the morning after the murders.

Defense Counsel Steve Addington questioned Balmer about the physical evidence at the scene tire tracks which Balmer admitted were never linked to the double murder and clothing submitted by Terri and twin brother Tim Supino were analyzed, Balmer said, and no blood was ever found.

The state also asked Balmer about rumors surrounding the murders over the years, and the former sheriff said many, he found, originated from Terri Supino.

Before the court entered noon recess, the state called retired Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation criminologist Wayne Eaton who arrived at the Copper Dollar Ranch at 9 a.m. March 3, 1983. He is an expert in fingerprint, hair and clothing fiber analysis. Although DNA identification was not available in 1983, forensic science had advanced to the point of scientifically identifying certain crime scene evidence.

Eaton analyzed photos his partner took the day the crime scene was discovered and is expected to continue testimony after the recess.

Read more of Wednesday's court proceedings from Waterloo @NewtonDNews on Twitter, on Facebook, at Newton Daily News online and in Thursday's print edition.

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