Graphic photos being shown at the second-degree murder trial of Dennis Oland in Saint John with the pathologist who conducted Richard Oland’s autopsy testifying that Richard died from multiple sharp blunt force injuries to the head however he cannot estimate when those injuries occured. Richard Oland’s body was discovered in his office on July 7, 2011.
Dr. Ather Naseemuddin, who works at the Saint John Regional Hospital, saying that he met with Saint John police after the autopsy – a few months or even the next summer, he doesn’t remember – they wanted to know about how long Richard Oland might have survived after receiving these injuries. He says the injuries would be rapidly fatal.
The Crown asking, “suffice to say the significant injuries you mention are not survivable,” with Dr. Naseemuddin responding “They are not survivable.”
Dr. Naseemuddin had earlier testified that that his injuries were inflicted with two different surfaces – he says that he can’t say if both surfaces were on one or two implements.
Dr. Naseemuddin saying that he does not recall seeing any significant open sores on Richard Oland’s body during the autopsy. Under cross-examination by defence lawyer Alan Gold the doctor agreeing that Richard Oland was showing no overt signs of decomposition at the time.
As well the doctor agreeing that there was alcohol detected in Richard Oland’s urine though none was detected in his blood or vitreous fluid.
Gold asking, “you found this poor man’s skull completely broken,” with the doctor agreeing. “It takes considerable force to break skull doesn’t it,” says Gold. The doctor, again, agreeing with him.
Dr. Naseemuddin testifying that police never showed him a potential weapon.
This was day 15 of the Dennis Oland trial. 65 days have been set aside.
Reporter Laura Lyall is covering the Dennis Oland trial and been live-tweeting from the courtroom. You can check out those tweets on her Twitter page, the CHSJ News Twitter page or the Wave News Twitter page.
