The man is accused of having stabbed his 22 year old girlfriend to death, after beating her. After the act, the accused went on to give himself life-threatening injuries.
The medical examiner said the man's injuries, particularly one on the left side of his chest, were acutely dangerous, but he was quickly stabilised through surgery despite losing a large amount of blood. The examiner noted these injuries were typical of those inflicted on oneself. The President of the court stated the injuries were not caused with the same violence the accused had used upon his victim, who suffered three deep stab wounds to her lungs, heart and ribs. The medical examiner confirmed the victim would have died quickly due to extreme blood loss.
The coroner also indicated the victim was found with bruises on both sides of her head, corresponding to shoes soles, which would indicate the accused stamped on her head. The judge then noted that the accused had only admitted to punches and a single kick in the stomach. At that time, the accused hid his face behind his hands.
In addition to the three stab wounds, the pathologist noted six more superficial cuts. The victim was also six or seven weeks pregnant. The deep wounds could have been inflicted on her while she was lying or standing. When Philippe Penning, the accused's lawyer, asked if the latter understood that the victim was dead, all the doctor could say was that it was not clear.
The trial has currently been put on hold for over a month. Penning has called for another expert, who is currently unwell, to testify. The trial is expected to resume on 3 March.
