Examiner testifies about victims’ wounds as Stoneman Douglas shooting trial resumes

Editor’s note: Daily coverage of the Parkland trial is being provided to all readers as a public service.

The penalty phase trial of the Parkland gunman picked up Monday where it left off last week, with graphic testimony about the damage done by the weapon he used to stalk the hallways of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Former Associate Broward Medical Examiner Terrill L. Tops testified about the injuries sustained by Luke Hoyer, one of the first victims of confessed gunman Nikolas Cruz. Hoyer was in the first-floor hallway when Cruz opened fire.

Hoyer’s parents, Tom and Gena Hoyer, wept and squeezed each other’s hands in the gallery as Tops testified how the first bullet was enough to kill their son, who was shot twice. The first bullet had two entry points, first in his jaw, then in his neck. Blood filled his lungs “drowning his lungs,” Tops said. The second bullet fractured part of his pelvis.

Tops then covered the death of Aaron Feis, the football coach who raced into the school to find the shooter only to be cut down by a bullet before he had a chance. A bullet fractured ribs, and one “was obliterated,” Tops said.

Graphic, disturbing testimony has been a staple of the trial, which opened July 18. Jurors have been told about how the victims spent their last moments — confused, frightened and desperate to escape. They have been told in excruciating detail about how the victims died.

Later today the jury will hear about how the victims lived, with their family members prepared to take the stand to talk about their losses.

Prosecutors are asking the jury to sentence Cruz to death for the 17 murders he committed at Stoneman Douglas. Cruz pleaded guilty to the murders last October, along with 17 counts of attempted murder. Defense lawyers are seeking a sentence of life in prison.

Under Florida law, the jury’s recommendation of death must be unanimous. The victim impact statements are not supposed to be considered as aggravating factors.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.