The testimony of Lori Baker, Mr. Doan's former sister-in-law, was expected to be among the most damaging the prosecution would offer. She told jurors that, about 3 a.m. Aug. 29 - the morning Carrie Culberson disappeared - a blood-covered Mr. Doan came to the home she shared with her ex-husband, Tracey Baker, Mr. Doan's half brother.
He was wearing only jeans, and blood ''was smeared on his chest, his arms and his pants,'' Ms. Baker testified.
But during cross-examination by defense attorney John Rion, she smiled as she revealed to jurors in the Clinton County courtroom her tryst with Mr. Doan in March 1996.
''It was glorious. It was fantastic,'' she said.
Ms. Baker appeared calm and confident as she recounted the events of Aug. 29 for Prosecutor William Peelle.
When she answered the door that morning, she testified, Mr. Doan asked to talk with Mr. Baker. After Mr. Doan took a shower, the brothers left the house with seven garbage bags and a gun.
When they returned just before 6 a.m., Mr. Doan showered again. Mr. Baker told Ms. Baker to wash his clothes, which were covered in blood, she said. Mr. Baker also asked for bleach and a scrub brush.
''He said Vince needed them,'' she told jurors.
After Mr. Doan left for work, Mr. Baker told his ex-wife not to talk to authorities. ''He said, 'You haven't seen me since 2:30 a.m., if anyone asks,''' she said.
Mr. Rion asked her about her use of marijuana and cocaine. Ms. Baker said she had quit using both.
Mr. Rion also asked why Ms. Baker had repeatedly told authorities before October she had no information that would help them track down Ms. Culberson.
''I wanted to believe that my husband had nothing to do with what happened that night,'' she said. She also said was afraid of the men in the family, whom she described as bullies.
