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The first week of the murder trial for James Biela came to a close Friday afternoon, with at least two more weeks of testimony expected. So far, 12 witnesses have taken the stand. Two of them were young college women who say they were sexually assaulted by Biela in the months before Brianna Denison disappeared.

The first half of the day was spend discussing DNA. Prosecution first heard testimony from scientists at the Washoe County Crime Lab who said that DNA evidence from the crime scene is a match for James Biela.

Biela’s defense team cross examined the witness, digging into complicated DNA protocol, exhausting all efforts to discredit their expertise.

Afterward, a Quest Diagnostics physician testified that James Biela is positive for the Herpes Virus. The next witness was a UNR college student and the first rape victim who was attacked in October of 2007 in a UNR parking garage. She testified that she had the Herpes virus before the attack, alluding to the fact that Biela may have contracted it from her during the rape.

The jury heard a harrowing account from the victim, who says she was held at gunpoint, and penetrated against her will. While the defense says her story has changed and that she didn't come forward until after Brianna Denison disappeared, a clinical psychologist later testified that the young woman was traumatized and suffered from post traumatic stress.

Also Friday afternoon, a friend of the victim also took the stand. She testified about a letter she received from the rape victim just days after the assault took place, describing the circumstances of the rape.