Pathologist: Mario Deane suffered skull fracture, strangulation before death
Published:Wednesday | March 26, 2025 | 3:58 PM
The now-retired forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Mario Deane, told the Westmoreland Circuit Court today that Deane’s injuries suggested he was held down, struck against blunt surfaces, and strangled during the August 3, 2014, beating that led to his death.
Dr Murari Sarangi, who was testifying via Zoom, detailed Deane’s extensive injuries, including a fractured skull, bleeding in the brain, and internal trauma in his mouth and throat.
"The cause of death, in summary, was severe blunt force injury to the head, resulting in a broken skull bone and bleeding in the brain substance, in association with manual strangulation of the neck, resulting in damage and bleeding in the neck structure and lack of oxygen," Dr Murari Sarangi said.
Three members of the police force are on trial - Corporal Elaine Stewart and Constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant over Deane's death.
The medical doctor further noted that bruises consistent with finger-marks were found on Deane’s arms and the back of his neck.
He added that Deane swallowed some of his own blood, which entered his lungs, causing choking that contributed to his death.
There was no cross-examination from defence attorneys Martyn Thomas and Dalton Reid.
The trial will resume on March 31, when a witness from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is expected to take the stand.
Stewart, Clevon, and Grant are charged with manslaughter, misconduct in a public office, and perverting the course of justice. Prosecutors allege they were on duty at the Barnett Street lock-up when Deane was beaten on August 3, 2014.
Deane died in hospital three days later.
Stewart is also accused of ordering the cell to be cleaned before INDECOM investigators arrived.
- Christopher Thomas
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