A 12-centimetre stab wound to the back was most likely the cause of death of 41-year-old Aaron Matthew Monaco, a jury has heard.
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The trial of Ravenswood woman Belinda Leone Colbran continued in the Launceston Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Ms Colbran has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Monaco, who was found with multiple stab wounds at Parua Road, Newnham on November 4, 2016.
During the fifth day of the trial before Justice Gregory Geason, the jury was shown copies of an autopsy report prepared by state forensic pathologist Dr Donald Ritchie.
The report detailed five stab wounds found on Mr Monaco’s body.
They included a 12-centimetre wound to his upper right back, a four centimetre wound to his upper left back as well as his right side, lower left abdomen and lower back.
When asked by Crown Prosecutor John Ransom which wound was most severe, Dr Ritchie said the stab wound to the upper right back was the most likely cause of death.
“This caused the greatest loss of blood,” he said.
Dr Ritchie said the wound caused Mr Monaco’s right lung to collapse, severed major blood vessels and caused massive internal bleeding.
He also said two cuts located on Mr Monaco’s right hand were consistent with defensive wounds of someone engaging with a “knife yielding attacker”.
Dr Ritchie said the wounds were caused by a single edged knife, consistent with two knives previously submitted into evidence.
Human blood was found on both knives, but conclusive DNA belonging to Ms Colbran was only found on one of the knives.
When questioned by defence lawyer Todd Kovacic, Dr Ritchie was unable to say which knives were responsible for each wound.
“It’s possible both knives were used,” Dr Ritchie said.
The jury also heard evidence from forensic scientist Charles Connor, who attended the crime scene on November 5, 2016.
Mr Connor gave details of the blood splatter found at the entrance of a Parua Road unit, including a trail of blood.
When asked by Mr Ransom if the blood stains were consistent with someone bleeding heavily, seeking to open a door before eventually collapsing and continuing to bleed heavily, Mr Connor said yes.
The jury had previously heard evidence from neighbours who said they heard a man calling out for help.
The trial will continue on Wednesday.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
