Opinion ID: 1355273
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Cause of victim's death

Text: Defendant Thomas claims that discrepancies between the testimony of Drs. Smith and Gardner mandate a reversal of his conviction for felony murder. Both Drs. Smith and Gardner concluded that the victim died from sepsis due to a rupture of the bladder resulting from a gunshot wound to the head. The alleged discrepancy in their testimony arises in their disparate opinions as to how the bacteria that resulted in sepsis was introduced to the victim's body. Dr. O.C. Smith testified that he had no opinion as to where the bacteria came from and that there were several potential sources for the bacteria. Dr. Smith surmised that the bacteria leading to the infection could have existed prior to the rupture of the bladder, could have been a result of the catheterization, or could have been the result of an infection of the urinary tract near the skin opening. However, Dr. Smith concluded that the neurogenic bladder and ... the fact that he has problems with bladder control ... combined with the requirement for catheterization ... predispose[d] [the victim] ... to have a high risk of colonization and an increased risk of infection. Dr. Cynthia Gardner, Dr. Smith's assistant, testified that [i]t probably was  I would say with ninety-nine percent certainty, the bacteria was introduced into the bladder through catheterization. Defendant Thomas contends that this discrepancy raises sufficient doubt as to the cause of death of the victim. We disagree. Both doctors testified as to the injuries sustained by the victim when he was shot and the impact of the injuries upon the victim during the intervening period until his death. Any alleged conflict as to the source of the bacteria is insignificant. From the testimony of both medical examiners, it appears to this Court that the infection would not have occurred but for the victim's medical condition directly caused by the shooting of the victim on April 21, 1997. That is, the uncontradicted medical testimony established that the victim eventually died as a result of the gunshot wound inflicted during the robbery. Accordingly, the evidence of causation is sufficient to support the verdict of guilt and this issue is without merit.