REGINA – Graphic testimony was presented Thursday in the second degree murder trial of 20-year-old James Myers accused of beating his mother to death.
The province’s chief pathologist was the only witness called to the stand. The jury was shown about a dozen autopsy photos displaying significant bruising and contusions on the woman’s body.
Dr. Shaun Ladham testified that Rachel Sheperd had 21 either broken or displaced ribs.
Ladham said the amount of force necessary to inflict some of her injuries would be similar to trauma he sees as a result of a car crash. Ladham said Sheperd was most likely lying on the ground when she was injured.
Court heard the damage to her ribs would have made it difficult for her to breathe and said she likely died within a few minutes.
Rachel Sheperd, 46, was found partly covered by a blanket on a mattress in the living area of the apartment belonging to the accused.
Myers sat with this head in his hands during most of the testimony.
The trial began last Thursday and is expected to continue for the next two weeks.
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