The Acting Head of the Fiji Police Force's Forensic Pathology Unit, Dr James Kalougivaki has revealed in the murder trial of Usaia Kilaiverata that Losana McGowan could have received something similar of a knockout punch on her head which caused a high degree of blood flow in her skull.
Kilaiverata is alleged to have murdered his partner, Losana McGowan on 4th April last year in Toorak.
Kalougivaki who conducted the autopsy revealed in court that the collection of blood in the head is an indication of severe traumatic brain injury and associated with sudden acceleration injury or sudden turning or twisting of the head or neck.
When questioned by state lawyer, Michael Delaney, Kalougivaki also agreed that this type of injury could have been caused by a great force like a rugby player kicking the ball from half way of the field.
Kalougivaki was then asked by Delaney whether all the injuries on McGowan’s head could have been caused by just hitting a gas tank.
Kalougivaki said no.
During cross-examination, defence lawyer, Samanunu Vaniqi said that her client was drunk and inexperienced and was desperately doing a CPR on McGowan for an hour.
She then asked Kalougivaki on whether it be fair to say that injuries to McGowan’s chest could have been caused by the CPR.
Kalougivaki said there is a possibility in this scenario.
Vaniqi then asked whether a person falling with face down from mid stairs could have head injuries that were observed in McGowan’s case.
Kalougivaki told the court that there is a possibility that there can be some injuries caused by that.
It is alleged that Kilaiverata assaulted 32-year-old Losana McGowan during a heated argument after returning from clubbing last year.
Both counsels will present their closing submissions tomorrow.
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