[Batpuff]

NEW YORK (AP) -- With no incriminating statements or crucial eyewitnesses, investigators had nothing more than "CSI"-style bits of forensic evidence to piece together a graduate student's gruesome rape and murder -- cell phone records, rabbit fur, rug fibers and blood.

In the end, it was enough to build a case against a bouncer accused of killing Imette St. Guillen, a Boston native enrolled at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan.

Darryl Littlejohn, 41, pleaded not guilty Thursday in the student's slaying, and has steadfastly denied involvement. Littlejohn, a parolee with a long criminal history, was working at a SoHo bar where St. Guillen was last seen alive.

Brooklyn prosecutors have "never seen a case where there has been so much forensic evidence as the foundation of a case," District Attorney Charles Hynes said at a news conference.

St. Guillen's body was found dumped in a desolate section of Brooklyn on February 25. A white athletic sock was stuffed in her mouth and her head was wrapped with packing tape.

A manager at the bar where she was last seen told police that Littlejohn escorted St. Guillen out after closing time, and that he heard the pair arguing.

Investigators said DNA evidence links Littlejohn to blood found on ties that were used to bind St. Guillen's hands.

Also, fibers discovered on the tape on the victim's head were consistent with those from a rug and two fur-collared jackets from the defendant's apartment, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said. Investigators said they found mink and rabbit fur on the tape.

"This is an unusual finding, put it that way," Kelly said. "Two jackets. A rabbit collar and a mink collar."

Investigators also said that Littlejohn's phone was used to make a call from near the spot where the body was dumped, an hour before it was discovered. Police said there were no witnesses or other evidence to support his claim that he was visiting his mother on the day of the killing.

Outside court Thursday, defense attorney Kevin O'Donnell told reporters his client maintains his innocence.

A career criminal whose record includes robbery, drug and gun convictions, Littlejohn had been locked up on a parole violation before he was charged with murder. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole.

After the hearing, St. Guillen's sister wept as she read a statement thanking police for their efforts.

"New York was Imette's home," Alejandra St. Guillen said. "She loved the city and its people"

She continued, "Imette was a good person, a kind person. Her heart was full of love. With Imette's death, the world lost someone very special too soon."

[thetribe]

Forensics wins again!

[Basketballer]

Thats kool......I should do something like that with my life other than being lazy

[thetribe]

Now you see why I am obsessed.

[gobles_girl40]

Forensics never cease to amaze me!!!!