logo

Forensic doctor breaks into tears during testimony on autopsy details

Ksenia Novikova
Aug 20, 2018
04:13 P.M.

The medical examiner could not contain the crying during her testimony at the trial of a registered sex offender.

Advertisement

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Jacksonville Medical Examiner in Chief, Dr. Valerie Rao, was the professional who performed the autopsy of Cherish Perrywinkle, 8 years old, after she was abducted, brutally abused and killed by a man 61 years old, at the beginning of 2018.

Rao gave her testimony full of emotion and revealed that Perrywinkle resulted in multiple severe injuries to her body after being strangled with a piece of her clothing and sexually abused.

In full testimony, as the court saw the photos of the girl's ill-fated body, Rao, who daily deals with violent deaths and grotesque corpses, was overwhelmed by emotion and could not continue.

Donald Smith was charged with kidnapping, raping and killing the girl. He was recently found guilty and was expected to be sentenced to death on the trial. Read more on our Twitter account @amomama_usa

Advertisement

According to reports, Smith lured Perrywinkle and her family to a Walmart in June 2013. He promised the family to invite them to eat at McDonald's and buy them new clothes. The family at that time was in a difficult economic situation.

The security video shows how little Perrywinkle is walking towards the door following Smith. Those images were the last moments in which the girl was seen alive.

During Rao's 45-minute testimony, jurors cried while the coroner listed the injuries Smith inflicted on Perrywinkle.

Advertisement

Rao also revealed that the girl tried to defend herself and succeeded in wounding Smith's private parts.

State Prosecutor Melissa Nelson presented the recordings made in jail before the jury. They reveal Smith bragging about his crime in front of other convicts.

Smith has been dubbed "the Walmart monster" by the Daily Mail newspaper and according to Crime Online, he received the death sentence due to the seriousness and cruelty of his crimes against the minor.

The jury deliberated for exactly 14 minutes last Valentine's Day before giving its unanimous verdict against Smith, in the Jacksonville court. So, this particular monster won’t haunt any other victim.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Elvis Presley Was Found Dead in Bathroom of House with 'Secret' Passageway — Photos of Graceland Mansion Now

May 22, 2024

Head Tattoos and Wig: What Michael Jackson’s Autopsy Revealed About Him

April 26, 2024

One Actor's Ex Questioned in Matthew Perry's Death – What to Know About Her

July 02, 2024

Madeline Soto Case: Public Outrage Flares after Police Release Unseen Footage

April 11, 2024

What Happened to Morgan Freeman's Granddaughter, Who Suddenly Died at 33?

May 29, 2024

Chicago Boy, 11, Found Dead at Home after Selflessly Trying to Save His Pregnant Mom’s Life

March 19, 2024

Robyn Bernard Found Dead in Open Field: 3 Other 'General Hospital' Stars with Tragic Fates

March 15, 2024

5 Celebs Who Refused to Remarry after the Love of Their Life Died – What Happened to Them

June 24, 2024

What Happened to Johnny Depp's Ex Who Reportedly Used an Alias after Leaving the Country?

July 11, 2024

Fearless Mom Fights Alleged Kidnapper to Save Her Daughter

March 26, 2024

How Stars Celebrated 4th of July: Bennifer on Opposite Coasts, Katy Perry Gets Court Order, Julia Roberts' 22nd Anniversary, & More

July 05, 2024

At Her Husband's Funeral, Woman Leans to Kiss Him for the Last Time and Sees Him Blinking — Story of the Day

April 03, 2024

Riley Strain’s Devastated Family Orders Second Autopsy, Questioning Initial Finding of No Foul Play

March 28, 2024

11 Missing Teeth, Sewn-on Wig and Scars: What Whitney Houston's Autopsy Disclosed about Her

May 20, 2024