Gunshot residue detected on Andrew Rosenfeldt’s face and hands, expert testifies

WATCH: A forensic toxicologist testified that Nykera Brown had cocaine and meth in her system at the time of her death.

A gunshot expert took the witness stand on the eighth day of Andrew Rosenfeldt’s second-degree murder trial.

RCMP forensic specialist Lily Huang testified that gunshot residue was found on Rosenfeldt’s hands and face — but she said that the presence of residue doesn’t necessarily mean he fired the gun.

Huang said someone within about 20 metres of a gun being fired could test positive due to secondary transfer.

Gunshot residue is a smoky collection of microscopic particles released when a firearm is discharged.

The Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Rosenfeldt shot and killed his girlfriend, 20-year-old Nykera Brown. Throughout the trial, the defence has suggested Brown’s death was a suicide.

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Brown was found dead on Nov. 15, 2022, inside the Saskatoon apartment she shared with Rosenfeldt.

“There is no way for you to tell, as a scientist, whether the quantity of gunshot residue on the hands and cheek of Mr. Rosenfeldt was as a result of him firing the firearm himself, or touching the firearm, or being in proximity to the firearm. Correct?” Defence lawyer Chris Murphy asked.

“Yes,” Huang replied.

Court heard Brown died from a single gunshot fired under her chin.