Blunt force head trauma cause of death, says pathologist at manslaughter trial

In addition to multiple skull fractures, Dr Musgrove also noted a big blood clot and hemorrhages.

“It would have been caused by the wielding of an object,” Musgrove noted with respect to the energy that would been required to cause a depression of the skull.

As per crime scene photos shown to the courtroom on Wednesday, Cook was found lying face down on the floor of a bedroom, just a few inches away from the bed.

There was blood around his nose and mouth, and within the rim of the hat he wore that night.

According to testimony heard on Tuesday, Cook, along with the accused, and one of Cook’s friends were drinking whiskey the night prior. Robert Broussie (the friend) testified to passing out and awaking to the sound of Stalthanee striking a helpless Cook multiple times in the head.

After exiting the house, Broussie said he and Cook had walked together back to the house where Cook lived. While he could not recall if anything was said, Broussie stated when he left Cook at the house, his friend was walking fine.

Hours later, Cook was found deceased.

While Dr. Musgrove confirmed there was alcohol found in Cook’s blood, he did not think it was a contributing factor. And when asked if any defensive injuries were found, Musgrove confirmed there were some contusions found on Cook’s legs, but added how they came to be was inconclusive.

“They could be from everyday activities,” he said.

When given the opportunity to cross-examine Dr. Musgrove, defence lawyer Peter Abrametz Jr. noted that at the time of Cook’s autopsy, Musgrove had only testified at one trial. Since then he has been called five other times to testify.

Abrametz also pressed Musgrove on the fact that a review of the toxicology report had only been done two days prior to testifying.

To which Musgrove reiterated the cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma, and he only reviewed the toxicology report to better prepare for testifying.

And a third argument raised by Abrametz was a lack of evidence to show a weapon was used. To this Musgrove out of all the other variables, a weapon was “the most likely.”

Throughout Thursday’s proceedings, Stalthanee listened intently.

Dr. Musgrove was among the last of the Crown’s witnesses. The trial has now been adjourned to April 18. At which time the defence will present its case and lawyers may proceed their closing arguments.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Blunt force head trauma cause of death, says pathologist at manslaughter trial

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