This article contains details some readers may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.
Thirty-six-year-old Jonathan Collins died from a single stab wound that pierced his abdominal aorta, causing extreme blood loss.
Dr. Simon Avis took the stand this morning at the second degree murder trial of 33-year-old Craig Pope.
Viewing graphic autopsy photos is never easy for the jury, but this morning, they thumbed through the photographic report by Dr. Simon Avis. He is the former Chief Medical Examiner for the province, and conducted the autopsy on Jonathan Collins on September 11, 2017.
The autopsy on Jonathan Collins took place on Sept. 11, 2017. He was fatally stabbed on Alderberry Lane in St. John’s on Sept. 7, 2017. Craig Pope is accused of second degree murder in his death. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/FiuecJ5gwu
— Renell LeGrow (@renell_legrow) June 11, 2019
Dr. Avis determined that the cause of death was from a stab wound.
The manner of death has been listed as homicide. Dr. Avis says that simply means Collins died as a result of the actions of another individual, and does not mean murder.
This knife was found in a back pack seized from the scene. Dr. Avis says he couldn’t say for certain this was the weapon used to stab Collins, but says he couldn’t rule out the possibility either. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/saOJxk2mDA
— Renell LeGrow (@renell_legrow) June 11, 2019
Doctors worked hard to resuscitate the victim, opening his chest and massaging his heart. But Avis says the stab wound punctured his abdominal aorta, causing signification blood loss, and attempts by doctors were unsuccessful.
In addition to the stab wound, Dr. Avis says Jonathan Collins also suffered from blunt force injuries. He says there was a laceration on his top and bottom lip; and abrasions to the left elbow, and his right and left knees. There were no injuries to his hands.
There was also a toxicology report completed. Collins had methadone in his system, ritalin and cannabis. Dr. Avis says none of these drugs would have contributed to his death in any way.
The trial continues.
These are RNC photos taken on Alderberry Lane, September 7, 2017. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/WlC6CxZENP
— Renell LeGrow (@renell_legrow) June 11, 2019