Stab wound of 12cm severed artery and caused death, Mayo murder trial hears

A pathologist told the Central Criminal Court in Dublin that a single stab wound measuring at least 12 centimetres in depth caused the death of a 24-year-old Mayo man by severing a vital artery. Dr Kathleen Han Suyin gave evidence during the trial of Matusz Batiuk, aged 33, formerly of Carrabeg Estate, Swinford, who has pleaded not guilty to murder. The accused is charged with the killing of Michael McDonagh at the housing estate on 16 November 2020. Dr Han Suyin conducted the postmortem and confirmed the wound pierced the right common iliac artery, resulting in extensive and rapid blood loss that proved fatal. She stated the depth of the injury made survival impossible. The pathologist noted that while the wound was deep, it remained unclear whether significant force was applied or whether the victim may have moved into the blade. Forensic evidence presented showed the deceased's blood on the knife recovered, along with trace blood matching a witness. The trial continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring.