(Atlantic) The State of Iowa versus Alison Dorsey trial continued this (Monday) morning with the Defense presenting Dr. Chris Van Ee, a Biomedical and Mechanical Engineer.
Dr. Van Ee said part of his studies included what levels of head acceleration can cause injury and what are relatively safe. The studies included crash test dummies mimicking an infant or child falling from different levels onto different surfaces, as well as shaking. Dr. Van Ee reviewed the reports surrounding the death of two-month old Luka Hodges.
Attorney DeShawne Bird-Sell asked if there was a way to cause these injuries without ligament, spinal or other injury.
Dr. Van Ee said in his report that a one foot fall onto carpet or concrete produces much larger angular accelerations than abusive style shake.
During cross examination, Prosecuting Attorney Monty Platz asked about the bruise observed on the side of Luka’s head and questioned Dr. Van Ee if he believed Luka was impacted on the side of his head.
The Defense then called Cynthia Gossman. Gossman said Alison Dorsey had been babysitting her children for 15 years. Gossman said she had dropped off her child the morning of October 7, 2019 and testified that she saw Luka and even held him and attempted to feed him. She stated that she felt Luka’s eyes looked different as they stayed looking up and to the left and did not move. She also said Luka would not eat, which she just assumed was because he was not hungry.
Monty Platz brought up Gossman’s interview with a Special Agent with the Division of Criminal Investigation in which Gossman never mentioned to the agent that she told Alison Dorsey something was wrong with Luka.
The final witness for the morning was Michelle Williams, an EMT who went to the call at Alison Dorsey’s home on the morning of October 7, 2019. She explained the procedures that took place once she was on scene including checking for a pulse and breathing, which there was none, so CPR was started. Williams testified that Luka did not look blue or gray in color upon arriving at Dorsey’s home.
The trial continued at 1:00 this afternoon.
