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The murder trial of Jitesh Bhogal, charged with the murder of Autumn Taggart, continued on Wednesday with expert testimony.
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The jury heard testimony Wednesday from Rachelle Wallage, a forensic toxicologist with the Center for Forensic Sciences, who presented the findings about Taggart’s death. Taggart, 31, was found dead in her University Avenue West apartment on June 10, 2018.
Wallage presented a report detailing the findings that therapeutic amounts of codeine and acetaminophen, among other substances, were found in Taggart’s system at the time of his death. Wallage also spoke about how samples are collected, processed, and tested.
Wallage answered defense questions in questioning about the effects of cocaine and methamphetamine use on the human body. Those drugs were not among the substances found in Taggart’s system, according to the findings Wallage presented.
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Early Wednesday morning, the jury heard from a Windsor police officer on the content of his crime scene report, who was questioned by the defense about the wording of his report and the recollection of the scene.
Judge Renee Pomerance offered a mid-trial instruction to the jury, noting that the recount of second-hand events is not admissible in court for the truth, but can be used to show narrative. He also reminded the jury that expert witnesses only offer opinions.
Wallage was scheduled to return to court to continue his testimony Thursday morning.
The 31-year-old Bhogal High Court trial began two weeks ago and will take place over eight weeks in four courtrooms before a 14-member jury. Courtrooms have been set up to allow for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bhogal is charged with first degree murder, aggravated sexual assault and burglary in the death of the 31-year-old mother. The accusations have not been proven in court.
Reference-windsorstar.com