Opinion ID: 77443
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Smith's Wounds

Text: 13 Although the defendant Sullivan had only minor cuts and left the scene, Smith was mortally wounded by Sullivan and died at the scene. Dr. James Lauridson (Dr. Lauridson), the state medical examiner, conducted the post-mortem examination of Smith. Dr. Lauridson testified that Smith had seven serious stab wounds and about ten other, less significant wounds, including cuts, abrasions, and bruises. Through Dr. Lauridson, the state admitted into evidence photographs of Smith's wounds, and Dr. Lauridson testified about the depicted wounds. For example, Dr. Lauridson described a very large gaping wound over the right side of the chest, which extends into the chest cavity and causes a wound to the right lung. Dr. Lauridson also described a large, gaping wound right under the right armpit, and a more superficial wound in that same area, which extended into the muscles of the chest wall. He then described another stab wound just under the left armpit, which entered the left lung and left side of the heart and resulted in a significant amount of bleeding into the left chest. Dr. Lauridson also described a number of wounds on Smith's back, including one stab wound, a large gaping stab wound across the side of his left thigh, and two stab wounds in the right elbow area. 2 14 Dr. Lauridson stated that the cause of Smith's death was multiple stab wounds. Dr. Lauridson stated that it was impossible to say exactly how the particular injuries occurred, but that some seemed defensive, meaning that they were incurred as a result of Smith's defensive posture. He admitted that the wounds possibly could have been inflicted as two individuals rolled on the ground. However, Dr. Lauridson stated Smith's wounds were unlikely to have been caused accidentally. Dr. Lauridson also testified that, in light of the number of wounds and the directions and pathways of the cuts, it was possible but highly unlikely that Smith's wounds were caused by tussling between two people, as opposed to an intentional stabbing.