A DNA expert testified Thursday morning that a drop of blood found in the bathroom of slaying victim Carmin D. Ross was “consistent” with the DNA profile of her ex-husband, Kansas State University professor Thomas E. Murray.

Dr. Sudhir Sinha said that because he didn’t get a strong enough reaction in some DNA regions — and because there appeared to be DNA from more than one male — he couldn’t conclusively say whether the blood contained Murray’s DNA.

“I will say that this is consistent with his blood,” Sinha said. “Based on my experience in looking at the data… I cannot exclude him, and his DNA may possibly be there.”

Today is the 10th day of testimony in Murray’s first-degree murder trial.

The drop of blood in question was mixed with some of Ross’ blood and was found on the baseboard in the first-floor bathroom of Ross’ home at 1860 E. 1150 Rd. In a written report of his findings, Sinha said the tests on the blood were inconclusive as to Murray and suggested two male donors– a phrase defense attorneys cited in their opening statement to jurors.

Defense attorney Bob Eye today suggested that Sinha had changed his earlier findings and asked if Sinha stood by the written report. He said he did.

“Within a reasonable degree of scientific certainty, you cannot conclude that the sample that was pulled from that baseboard was Tom Murray’s blood, can you?” Eye asked.

“No,” Sinha answered. “I’m not saying that. I’m not saying that this blood belongs to him…This blood could belong to him.”

Sinha explained that based on the scientific standards used by his company, ReliaGene, he didn’t have a good enough sample to conclusively match the DNA found in the bathroom to Murray.

The test examines patterns in 11 regions of the Y chromosome, and the sample from the bathroom was identical to Murray’s in seven of those 11 regions.

In two other regions, Murray’s blood appeared to match the sample, but Sinha said he couldn’t call it a scientific match because the intensity of the results in those areas was below the company’s “quality-control” threshold.

In the two remaining areas, Sinha said he couldn’t get any results from the sample.

Sinha testified that he also examined the blood of Ross’ fiance, Larry Lima, and excluded him as a possible donor.

Prosecutor Tom Bath asked that, in the 11 regions tested, how many differences between Murray’s blood and the blood in the bathroom would have been required to rule Murray out.

“Just one,” Sinha answered.