Pathologist wraps up testimony in Kamloops murder trial

Steele testified that Novacluse was heavily intoxicated at the time of her death, noting that would have impaired her motor functions and decision-making.

According to Steele, Novacluse suffered two fractured ribs, blunt-force trauma to the head, bruising on her neck, an abrasion on her left buttock, and a vaginal tear leading to bleeding in the tissue to her rectum.

Steele said she could not specify which injury led to Novacluse’s death, but maintains it was caused by blunt-force trauma or strangulation.

Defence lawyer Jim Heller cross-examined Steele, during which he gave a detailed “hypothetical” of how Novacluse could have sustained the several injuries that led to her death.

He suggested to Steele that at some point in the night leading up to her death, Novacluse could have fallen in the hotel room after leaving the bathroom, and lost consciousness — adding that it could have been a struggle to awaken her.

Heller then turned to the hypothetical of rough sex, mentioning that Novacluse was wearing “sexy lingerie” from LaSenza.

“In indulging in their sexual interests, people sometimes do things that are unsafe, that are violent,” Heller put to Steele.

Steele agreed that was possible, but couldn’t say if that happened in this case. She added that the bruise to her left buttock would have come from much more than a simple spanking.

She added that she can’t comment on what may or may not have happened between Novacluse and her sexual partner that day and wouldn’t be able to tell just from looking at the injuries she sustained.

Heller then asked Steele if she thought about the fact that if Novacluse was beaten to death, why no one would have heard screams coming from a “relatively cheap” hotel room with thin walls.

Steele said there were several factors to consider, including if surrounding rooms had been rented out at that time, Novacluse’s pain threshold, and when she lost consciousness.

Steele said the bruises on Novacluse’s forearms also could have come from several different origins, including protecting her head against a beating or hitting them on objects in the room. Either way, Steele said, she can’t say what happened between Novacluse and her assailant in that hotel room.

Novacluse also had injuries inside her own mouth, including from biting her tongue. Steele said that could be a sign Novacluse had a seizure due to the swelling in her brain, or she could have bit her tongue while sustaining the injuries.

For most of the injuries, Steele said there were a number of things that could have led to them.

Crown is expected to close its case tomorrow (Feb. 6), and Heller will decide after that if the defence will call any evidence.

None of the allegations against Miller has been proven.

by Ashley Legassic

Pathologist wraps up testimony in Kamloops murder trial

Our Community