Courts / Dublin / Report

Pathologist tells murder trial of teen's death

Summary

During the murder trial of Brandon Gavin, the State Pathologist Dr SallyAnn Collis testified that 19‑year‑old Marius Mamaliga suffered a fatal neck stab wound that caused severe blood loss, leading to cardiac arrest and hypoxic brain injury. The post‑mortem revealed a 9 cm wound 1.9 cm long and 7.5 cm deep, angled downwards from the left side of the neck, damaging the left common carotid artery, left jugular vein, and upper windpipe. The injury also caused diffuse haemorrhage on the right side and damage to the left side of the voice box and both sides of the esophagus. Dr Collis confirmed the knife recovered by Gardaí had a single cutting surface, 9.5 cm long, matching the wound tract. She described the force as moderate, noting no hilt wound. Brandon Gavin pleaded not guilty. SallyAnn Collis pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pathologist tells murder trial of teen's death. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Mamaliga at Forest Court, Swords, on the evening of February 23, 2023. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 23, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 23 Other
• February 26 Other
• 2024-11-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report