The State Pathologist has given evidence this afternoon.
The State Pathologist has told the trial of a man accused of murdering his wife that she died from a lack of oxygen, most likely caused by manual strangulation.
Rafal Karaczyn admits killing her at their home at Crozon Park in Co. Sligo, but the jury will have to decide on his mental state at the time.
Our Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney has this report, which some readers may find distressing:
"Rafal Karaczyn initially claimed no responsibility for his wife Natalia’s death.
At first, he told gardaí he found her body in her bedroom. He said he panicked and dumped it in a wooded area just outside Sligo town.
It happened sometime between Apr 29th and May 1st 2018. The couple were separated at the time, but were still living together for the sake of their children.
He later told her sister that he strangled her to death after she came home from a night out. The court heard she had consensual sex with another man that night.
The issue for the jurors to decide relates to his mental state at the time.
Today, the State Pathologist, Dr Linda Mulligan, told them that Natalia died from asphyxia due to pressure on her neck, most likely caused by manual strangulation.
She said there were signs of defensive-type wounds and she was of the view that death wouldn’t have been instantaneous. "
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