Alberta’s Chief Medical Examiner Testifies To Traumatic Injuries In Murder Trial

The Crown wrapped up its case against a Brooks man charged with second-degree murder connected to a 2023 homicide with testimony from the province’s chief medical examiner at Medicine Hat Court of King’s Bench on Friday.

Abune Getahun, 45, is facing allegations of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Tesfahiwot Haile, 41, in July 2023 outside the apartment of the accused above the Blue Nile Shisha Bar in Brooks.

The testimony of Dr. Akmal Coetzee-Khan, Alberta’s chief medical examiner, included autopsy photos conducted on Haile revealing surgical intervention that included removing a part of the man’s skull in an effort to save his life.

The photos also revealed the extent of the injuries which eventually killed Haile, specifically what was believed to have been a single strike with a blunt object causing a traumatic, and eventually fatal, injury.

Coetzee-Khan testified to Haile having suffered from a blow which created a linear fracture that stretched into a mosaic pattern indicating the man was struck with, “a high level of force to be able to cause that pattern.”

The medical examiner also testified the level of force utilized could have radiated backwards and downwards to the base of Haile’s skull.

At least two of the 12 jurors appeared visible shaken by the autopsy photos, appearing to wipe away tears while one juror could be seen placing his hand on his fellow adjudicator’s shoulder in an apparent effort at providing comfort.

Getahun, however, kept his gaze away from the photo booklet as his defence counsel went through the pages as Coetzee-Khan described the autopsy.

The medical examiner told the court it would take approximately 1,000 pounds of force to cause the injury but exact numbers would be dependent on several factors.

The Crown at one point picked up an aluminum baseball bat which had been entered into evidence earlier in the week, asking Coetzee-Khan if it was possible that item could have caused Haile’s injuries.

“It would be possible if it was swung,” he responded.

Under cross-examination, Coetzee-Khan stated a single point of injury could have caused multiple injuries to the man’s skull and brain.

He also testified the man’s physical stature was underweight as he was approximately six-feet tall but under 110-pounds and while that could impact the thickness of the deceased’s skull, it likely wouldn’t have made a significant difference to the outcome. Likewise, Coetzee-Khan stated the alcohol, cocaine and methamphetamine found in Haile could have impacted treatment and possible recovery, it wouldn’t have been significant.

The trial continues on Monday at Medicine Hat Court of King’s Bench.