Wecht: Wife Strangled With Such Force It Broke Bone In Her Neck
GREENSBURG (KDKA) -- Testimony continued today in the trial of the Westmoreland County man accused of strangling his wife, whose body was found days later in a wooded area in Unity Township
The third day of the David Stahl murder trial saw the prosecution put scientific evidence in front of the jury, including testimony of world renowned pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht.
On Tuesday, the prosecution played audio tape of Stahl admitting to his wife's death.
Today, they presented experts to tell the jury just how it happened.
"Yes, Ms. Stahl died of asphyxiation due to manual strangulation," said Dr. Wecht.
He spoke to the media after his testimony.
On the stand, Dr. Wecht informed the jury not only was Rebecca Stahl strangled two years ago, it was done with significant force, breaking a bone in her neck.
"When you have the hyoid bone broken and multiple hemorrhages on both sides of the neck, a substantial amount of force must be considered," Dr. Wecht said.
Dr. Wecht also testified that prescription drugs and signs of marijuana in her system did not hasten nor slow Rebecca Stahl's death.
Prosecution witness and crime scene expert Ashlie Mangus told the all-female jury she found Rebecca's blood on David's clothing.
Finally, Patricia Tarver, of Greensburg, testified David told her at a bar that his wife left him for another man, and on another occasion he wanted to throw his wedding ring away.
RELATED LINKS:
Testimony Begins In Trial Over Teacher's Strangulation Death (6/23/14)
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