WARNING: This story contains content some readers may find disturbing. Discretion is strongly advised.
Shocking new court exhibit photos have been released in the trial of two parents accused of killing their teenage son.
Emil and Rodica Radita were arrested in February 2014 and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the trial by judge alone on Tuesday.
READ MORE: Calgary parents accused of not treating diabetic teen plead not guilty to first-degree murder
Police allege they denied Alex (Alexandru) Radita treatment for diabetes, which ultimately killed him. Court heard Tuesday Alex, 15, weighed 37 pounds when he died.
On Thursday, the judge approved the release of several photos showing the Radita household and Alex just three months before he died.
BELOW: Photos of the Radita household, as presented in court
A search warrant at the northwest home where the family lived led to the discovery of unused insulin syringes and expired glucose test strips. There were also containers of baby food that police believe were given to the teenage boy.
A pediatric endocrinologist continued her testimony in the case Thursday.
Get breaking National news
On Wednesday, Dr. Daniele Pacaud testified as an expert in diabetes in children. She said she reviewed documents and photos regarding the case and concluded the boy was in a “severe state of malnutrition.”
She told the court Alex “seemed to have not been provided with the proper care for his diabetes.”
Police were called to the Radita home in the community of Citadel on May 7, 2013.
An autopsy revealed Radita died from a bacterial sepsis (Staphyloccus Aureus) from complications of neglect and starvation, due to the Type 1 diabetes.
BELOW: Photos Alex Radita on his 15th birthday, taken just months before his death
Court documents show Alex had previously been removed from the Raditas’ British Columbia home by child welfare because the parents weren’t properly treating the diabetes. A judge later returned him to his parents’ care.
Calgary police allege Alex was not given the necessary treatment once the family moved to Alberta, and the teen’s health declined to the extent that he was confined to his room and subsequently died. The crown contends the boy died a painful and lonely death.
The trial is scheduled to last five weeks.
It will now take a temporary break from hearing testimony to consider arguments over the admissibility of evidence the crown wants to present concerning the care Alex received while he was living in B.C., before moving to Calgary.
Comments