Sergio Sayles’ defense team pressed Jefferson City Police officials yesterday on their evidence handling procedures during his ongoing murder trial, with particular focus on the treatment of Sayles’ vehicle following the fatal stabbing of Jasmine King in April 2023.

During Wednesday’s proceedings at the Boone County Courthouse, attorneys scrutinized the chain of custody and disposal of Sayles’ car, which investigators seized after King’s death. Sayles, 39, faces charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and evidence tampering in Cole County Circuit Court.

Testimony revealed that police searched Sayles’ cluttered vehicle for signs of blood and weapons, ultimately collecting 17 items and two swabs from the scene, according to a former Jefferson City Police Department evidence technician. The defense underscored that a court order issued May 3, 2023, required preservation of the car. However, three months later, a detective authorized its release, after which the car was crushed and sold as scrap metal.

On the witness stand, Lt. Steve Weaver of the Jefferson City Police stated that the decision to crush vehicles falls to the contracted towing company—not the police department. He explained that the department’s new contract changed storage fees, and vehicles not actively held as evidence would be subject to charges.

Despite repeated motions by Sayles’ attorneys to dismiss the case based on the destruction of the car, the presiding judge has denied these requests.

Closing arguments are scheduled for this morning (Thursday, November 6th) at 9 a.m.