Forensic pathologist testifies autopsy shows fatal skull fractures; manner ruled accidental

Dr. Samantha Evans, a forensic pathologist who identified herself as a deputy medical examiner with the Bear County Medical Examiner's Office, testified in the Robert Castillo case about autopsy report 2023-0745 for Eric Michael Moody.

Dr. Evans described the autopsy protocol (external then internal exam), documented multiple abrasions and contusions on Moody’s body, and testified that internal examination revealed multiple skull fractures at the base and middle of the skull with accompanying brain bruising. She told the court that the fractures and brain hemorrhage were consistent with moderate-to-large blunt force and "would be fatal on their own."

Toxicology testing showed ethanol at 0.183 in the blood and a therapeutic level of the antidepressant listed in the report (cetralline, identified by counsel as the brand-name drug Zoloft). Dr. Evans testified these substances would not, independently or in combination, have caused the death. Instead, she listed the cause of death as "cranio-cerebral injuries" and classified the manner of death as "accident."

The court admitted state exhibit 47 — a CD of autopsy photographs — without objection and the images were published for the jury. After the state rested, the defense declined to cross-examine Dr. Evans and the witness was excused. The court later recessed the jury to resolve counsel availability for the next witness.