Stab to heart cause of Pavelick’s death, expert witness testifies

Week two wraps up on the trail for the man who killed Misha Pavelick back in 2006. Mick Favel tells us more.

The trial of a man accused of second-degree murder in the 2006 death of Misha Pavelick continued in Regina on Friday, with testimonies from two expert witnesses.

Pavelick died at a high school graduation party at a campground near Last Mountain Lake on May 21, 2006.

The court heard testimony from retired pathologist Dino Grammatico, who performed the autopsy on Pavelick on May 23, 2006.

Grammatico said Pavelick was stabbed twice. Once in the arm and once in the left side of his chest.

The strike in the chest area caused a two centimetre hole in Pavelick’s heart, according to Grammatico.

These injuries caused internal and external bleeding.

Grammatico determined the cause of death to be a stab wound to the heart.

Three injuries located at the top of the head, likely caused by blunt force trauma due to being kicked, were also found during the autopsy.

Pavelick was also covered with bruises on his face, torso and legs.

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Injuries aside from the stab wounds are not directly associated with Pavelick’s cause of death, according to Grammatico.

Forensic specialist Melanie Green with RCMP Forensic Laboratory Services in Edmonton took the stand to share findings on a number of items connected with the murder.

These items included a gold knife featuring an image of an eagle on the handle, a banana, jean pants, and two t-shirts.

DNA belonging to Scott Nelson and Derek Enns were found on the knife, according to Green.

DNA belonging to the accused, Pavelick, and two others interviewed over the course of the trial were found on one of the shirts.

Another witness who cannot be named also testified about their experiences on May 21, 2006. The witness claimed there were several fights but said they were not involved with the fight including Pavelick and said they have no recollection of the murder.

The trial is expected to continue for another two weeks.

On Monday, five witnesses are set to testify.