Klein questions lead investigator on why he was only suspect in Rabadi’s death
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On Thursday, accused killer Jacob Klein, who is representing himself, questioned the lead investigator about how he came to be the investigation’s sole suspect.
Amy Kowalski, Senior Investigator with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, testified about what led authorities to zero in on Klein, who is accused of killing Philip Rabadi in Rabadi’s New Scotland home in April 2022.
When Kowalski arrived on scene, she said she asked Elana Radin, Klein’s ex-girlfriend and Rabadi’s wife, who could have done this to him. Radin immediately named Klein, who she said was controlling and upset about their breakup years ago.
Judge William Little ruled in favor of Klein on two key objections, meaning jurors did not see a handcuff demonstration by Kowalski to show how Rabadi may have been restrained. The jury also did not see messages sent from Klein to Radin from after their breakup where Klein apparently accused Radin of cheating on him and said he wanted to get back at her.
Kowalski also testified that a vehicle of interest from the scene matched Klein’s rental car, and he became the lead suspect.
Fireworks erupted in court as accused killer Jacob Klein, who is representing himself, aggressively questioned the lead investigator about how he came to be the prime suspect.
As NewsChannel 13 reported on Wednesday, investigators recovered two legal guns from Klein’s home and car, which Kowalski displayed for the jury on Thursday.
When Klein asked why investigators focused on him, Kowalski said based upon information provided through interviews, “the puzzle pieces started to gather and the image became more clear.”
Prosecutors objected to many of the questions Klein asked Kowalski.
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Klein also questioned Kowalski about why certain items were sent to the state laboratory for forensic testing and others were not.
Kowalski said no items with Klein’s DNA were found in any items connected to the crime scene.
Also, testimony revealed that the victim’s DNA was not found in Klein’s rental car, his personal car, the Airbnb where he was staying or his Virginia home.
Two witnesses from the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center spent hours going through blood and DNA samples, item by item, from the crime scene and Klein’s possession, showing how they tested for blood and DNA. Much of the DNA that was found at the crime scene that was not Rabadi’s or Radin’s was found to be insufficient for testing, according to the forensic expert who testified.