Entwistle defense says ME should not have ruled out suicide

WOBURN, Mass. -- Neil Entwistle's defense is suggesting that investigators should not have ruled out suicide.

Entwistle is on trial for the shooting deaths of his wife, Rachel, and 9-month-old daughter, Lillian Rose, in the family's Hopkinton home.

During an aggressive cross-examination yesterday, defense attorney Stephanie Page asked medical examiner William Zane if he was ever told by investigators that tests on Rachel Entwistle's hands showed gunshot residue on the front and back of both hands.

Zane said he did not know about the test results, which came back after he completed his autopsy.

While Zane later said the presence of gunshot residue could mean that Rachel Entwistle handled or fired the gun, it could also mean she was near the gun when it was fired.

Prosecutors allege Neil Entwistle killed his wife and baby because he was despondent over mounting debt and dissatisfied with his sex life.

Testimony continues today.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)