CONWAY, SC (WBTW)- On the fourth day of testimony in the trial of Heather Causey-Sims, jurors heard from a forensic pathologist. Heather Causey-Sims is accused of killing her husband David in their home two years ago.
Prosecutor Nancy Livesay called Forensic Pathologist Dr. Werner Spitz to the stand Friday. Spitz has testified in several notable cases, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Dr. Spitz told jurors that David was standing over two feet away from Heather Sims when she shot and killed him.
Livesay showed the jury photos of Heather Sims’ wounds. Sims had sustained three scratches to her right arm and two puncture wounds to her stomach. Spitz said he is able to determine the depth of the wounds by looking at them.
“There is no doubt in my mind that these wounds are superficial,” stated Spitz.
Spitz testified that the wounds were self-inflicted.
“These wounds are not defense wounds,” he said. “These are wounds were produced by the person herself.”
According to Spitz, the wounds were meticulously drawn on her skin. He also explained the location of the wounds.
“These are very accessible to the individual whose body they are.Furthermore, they are almost inaccessible to an assailant,” he said.
Sims’ Attorney Morgan Martin questioned Spitz’s expert opinion.
“All of these opinions that you have offered in a very serious allegation, I want to be sure you get a chance to defend them,” said Martin.
He started by asking Spitz a simple question, where was Heather Sims stabbed?
“You ought to know that if you’re going to offer any opinion what so ever,” said Martin.
“I believe that the wound that she had was in the chest,” answered Spitz.
Records show Sims was in fact stabbed in the abdomen.
“You just told this jury she was stabbed in the chest and you were dead wrong,” stated Martin.
Judge Cordell Maddox dismissed the jury at around 1pm Friday. The state will pick the case back up on Monday. Count on News 13 for continued coverage.
