by KYW's David Madden
Montgomery County investigators have obtained a DNA sample and fingerprints from the estranged husband of an Upper Merion woman who was murdered last month in the couple's home.
Prosecutors have even gone so far as to label the husband, a University of Pennsylvania economics professor, as a suspect in the case.
Rafael Robb (photo above) complied with a warrant to provide the samples, although his attorney has steadfastly maintained Robb’s innocence in the bludgeoning death of his wife Ellen.
The warrant indicates that Ellen Robb was wrapping Christmas presents when she was attacked.
There are lots of holes in the story Dr. Robb told authorities, according to Montgomery County DA Bruce Castor. And then there’s the defense lawyer insisting arresting his client would be "a mistake." Castor wonders about that:
"He must be privy to evidence that we don’t have, because everything that I have seen points in the direction of Dr. Robb."
Castor’s advice to Robb's attorney (at right facing camera) is to come forward now with any additional exculpatory evidence or they’ll move forward with the case.
Defense attorney Frank Genovese responds:
"If there were, we would be the first to let Mr. Castor know about it. I guess, unfortunately for Dr. Robb, he’s already told the investigators everything he knows."
Castor concedes that this case won’t turn on forensics but lots of circumstantial evidence. And as of now, he says, he doesn’t have enough to make an arrest -- not yet, anyway.
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