The Hamilton police officer who discovered Holly Hamilton’s vehicle testified in court on Thursday during the murder trial of Justin Dumpfrey.

Dumpfrey is accused of killing the 29-year-old woman with whom he had previously been involved in a romantic relationship and shared a young child.

Cst. Tara Avila said she was on the lookout for Hamilton’s vehicle the morning of Jan. 17, 2018. She knew Hamilton was still missing and began searching parking lots that are known to police to be dumping grounds for stolen vehicles.

She spotted Hamilton’s white Ford Escort abandoned in a parking garage at 95 Barlake Ave.

Avila told the court she looked inside the car and called for backup. The trunk was locked and what appeared to be blood could be seen on the bumper, she said.

Officers attended the scene and pried open the trunk.

Some of Hamilton’s family and friends left the courtroom before the horrific photos of what was found inside were shown.

Avila described seeing the woman lying on her right side and covered in blood.

The images were so graphic the jury was asked if they needed to take a break after reviewing them.

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The court also heard that hours before Hamilton’s body was discovered, police searched through several garbage bags that were found behind an apartment building steps away from where Dumpfrey lived on Barton St. near Fairfield Ave.

The jury heard that one of the bags contained several items of interest including cleaning supplies, gloves, tags for new bath towels and a shower curtain, a little girl’s black jacket and Hamilton’s car keys.

The trial continues Friday.

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