Pathologist's Testimony Over Custody Death Victim

Tue, Apr 9th 2013, 11:53 AM

Pathologist Dr Caryn Sands testified yesterday that Aaron Rolle had multiple injuries at the time of his death, including two broken ribs, a ruptured intestine, haemorrhaging around the pancreas and left kidney, bleeding in the bowel and contusions on his lower back, shoulder blade and left clavicle – all caused by blunt force trauma.


She also said Rolle had bruises on the front of his thighs and an abrasion on his chest. However, Dr Sands said the abrasion on his torso most likely came from secondary CPR attempts and classified the bruise as “superficial”.


Rolle, 20, died at the Southern Police Station on February 8 hours after he was taken into custody for questioning in relation to armed robbery and escape allegations. A pathologist report later concluded that he died from haemorrhaging and a ruptured intestine, caused by blunt force trauma to the chest. Acting Coroner Jeanine Weech-Gomez is overseeing the inquiry. Attorney Christina Galanos is representing Rolle’s immediate family and Wellington Olander is representing the police officers.


Dr Sands testified that Rolle died after two liters of fluid drained into his abdominal cavity from a hole in his intestine. She said the puncture was not recent and occurred prior to him dying. She also said Rolle had a yellow/green pus coating his liver, abdomen and bowel suggesting that he had the injuries for more than a few hours.

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