Wayne Williams Trial: 1981

But it was the forensic evidence that really undid Williams. Microanalyst Larry Peterson had compared fibers and dog hairs found on the bodies of Cater and second victim Jimmy Ray Payne with examples taken from Williams' house, car, and German shepherd. "In my opinion," said Peterson, "it is highly unlikely any other environment other than that present in Williams' home and car could account for the combination of fibers and hairs I recovered from Mr. Cater and Mr. Payne."

Under cross-examination from Binder, Peterson acknowledged that there was no absolute scientific means of determining the origin of any fiber, and that identification was a subjective judgment on the part of the examiner.

Evidence of Williams' aggressive homosexuality came from two young men who testified that he had made unwanted advances toward them.