Man had 17 stab wounds, court hears during murder trial

Joseph Topping died from multiple stab wounds that caused major blood loss, a forensic pathologist testified Monday as the trial of his accused murderer entered its second week.

The 31-year-old Elliot Lake man had 17 stab wounds to various parts of his body, Dr. Michael D'Agostino, who did the post mortem examination in February 2018, told jurors.

The autopsy revealed wounds that included four to his head, five to his torso, four to the back of one thigh, and one on each hand, the Sault Area Hospital pathologist said.

D'Agostino concluded they were caused by repeated forceful thrusts with a pointed, edged instrument, such as a knife.

The force was significant and substantial enough to penetrate clothing, skin, tissue and bones multiple times, he said.

Three of these wounds were significant enough to have caused death on their own, or in combination with other injuries, D'Agostino said.

Brad Southwind has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who has been described as his best friend.

Topping's frozen body was located Feb. 14, 2018 in a woody marsh area behind his Elliot Lake apartment building, located at 149 Mississauga Ave.

D'Agostino did the autopsy over three days -  Feb, 22,  23 and and 26 -  he told prosecutor Karen Pritchard, as he outlined the dozens of injuries inflicted on the victim.

One of the significant stab wounds, on the right side of Topping's neck, entered his chest cavity, causing extensive hemorrhaging, the expert said.

It was 6 cm deep and injured a major blood vessel - the left jugular vein -  and occurred when Topping was alive. 

Another wound on the left side of his chest was 3.5 cm deep and penetrated his lung, causing injury to that major organ, D'Agostino said.

The third wound on the upper right back penetrated the other lung. It had a depth of 4 cm.

Topping's death was probably rapid, the doctor said. "He died within minutes of his injuries."

There also were numerous cuts on Topping's body, including stab injuries to his hands which can represent a pattern of defensive wounds, he said.

As well, there were other injuries, such as bruises, abrasions and lacerations, which D'Agostino described as blunt force injuries.

Toxicological reports found a cannabis product and meth in the victim's system.

As well, medications, including an anti-depressant, two anti-psychotic drugs and an anti-convulsive type of drug were detected.

None of the prescription medications or the stimulants caused the man's death, D'Agostino said.

During cross-examination by defence lawyer Don Orazietti, the pathologist indicated he doesn't know the sequence of the wounds.

He agreed that it is a possibility they could have occurred in a frenzy or a fight.

When Orazietti suggested that things can happen when illicit drugs and prescribed drugs are mixed, D'Agostino replied "potentially."