WINNIPEG — It was a fatal shot to the back that ended Jeffrey Lau’s life. That testimony came from forensic pathologist, Dr. John Younes in front a 12-member jury Thursday morning.
Lau was killed during a storm of fire inside the Pembina Highway Salisbury House in September 2012. His best friend, who cannot be named due to a publication ban, was also shot twice but survived.
READ MORE: ‘It felt like an eternity’: witness recalls spray of gunshots during Salisbury House murder trial
Devin Hall, 30, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and attempted murder for the shootings.
The attack lasted just 14 seconds but left a trail of blood and 19 bullet shells in its wake.
“Mr. Lau died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds,” said Younes as he took the crown and jurors through his autopsy report.
Younes said Lau suffered five bullet wounds but was likely shot four times (one bullet exited his chest and re-entered his bicep).
The “fatal injury” entered the left side of his back and caused significant damage to multiple vessels and arteries before it came to a rest in his neck. It was the only bullet that did not exit the body.
According to Younes, Lau would not have been alive for more than a few minutes because of massive amount of lost blood he suffered.
READ MORE: Trial for fatal shooting at Winnipeg Salisbury House begins
“(It) would have been measured in minutes,” said Younes. “Anytime between a few minutes and 10-20 minutes.”
The lone waitress on staff during the incident said the gunman walked “with intent, like he was going to do something,” as he entered in through the main doors of the restaurant.
Surveillance video played in court shows a person walk in, their face covered and start shooting.
Police officers found 12 casings inside the restaurant and another 7 outside from gunfire through the windows as the shooter fled.
The waitress testified about the chaotic scene and said she could hear one of the other men inside start screaming.
“Save my friend, Please, save my friend. Somebody just save my friend,” she said the man was shouting.
According to the pathologist’s testimony, the bullet that dealt the fatal blow and killed Lau had a hollow point. Younes said it is known as a ‘black talon’ and is meant to mushroom on impact and cause mass damage.
He testified that in the hundreds of autopsies he has performed, he has never seen this kind of bullet used in Manitoba.
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