Coroner Gives Testimony on Baby Weaver’s Death

Today was the second day for the trial of a former Muskingum University student charged in the death of her newborn baby.

The trial began this morning with opening statements about Emile Weaver of Clarington being charged with Aggravated Murder, Gross Abuse of a Corpse, and two counts of Tampering with Evidence. Weaver entered two pleas; the first is not guilty by reason of insanity and the second is not guilty. Muskingum County Prosecutor Michael Haddox and Assistant Prosecutor Ron Welch argued that even though Weaver didn’t know she was pregnant, she did knowingly give birth to a living and healthy baby and later put the baby in a trash bag. Weaver’s Attorney R. Aaron Miller did say his client lied to police and made a mistake by putting her baby in the trash bag. Miller wants to present evidence that the baby took at least one breath while alive. He hopes Forensic Pathologist/ Deputy Coroner, Doctor C. Jeff Lee can answer another question.

"We expect him to tell you that there are other reasonable causes of death other than being placed in a plastic trash bag," said Miller.

Forensic Pathologist/ Deputy Coroner, Doctor C. Jeff Lee was called to the stand and asked to testify. During his testimony Lee said that the baby seemed healthy throughout all the tests, but did find markings on her lungs which made Lee give the cause of death.

"The date of death is what we were told by the coroner which was april 22, 2015," said Lee. "She died from asphyxia or unable to breath or unable to get oxygen to the brain."

The trial will continue thursday at 8:30 a.m. in the Muskingum County Common Pleas Court. According to Judge Mark Fleegle the trial is expected to last a week.