Forensic expert testifies that Zara Qairina may have had to jump or swing from the third floor to end up at the location where her body was discovered.
Forensic Pathologist Testifies in Zara Qairina Mahathir's Inquiry
The second day of the inquiry into the case of Zara Qairina Mahathir saw the testimony of Dr. Isa Jusoh, a forensic pathologist. Dr. Jusoh provided insights into the circumstances surrounding Zara's death.
Dr. Jusoh stated that the measurement from the floor to the topmost horizontal metal rail attached to the third-floor concrete railing was 118cm. He explained that for a person to land feet first at the distance where Zara was found, they would have to stand on the ledge and jump, or swing and let go from the metal grill.
However, Dr. Jusoh emphasised that the railing is too high to forcefully push someone of Zara's height over it. He also added that there were no injuries to suggest impact against the railing or from being pushed with force.
Dr. Jusoh testified that Zara's body position suggests she either jumped or swung from a third-floor ledge. He also stated that it's possible for Zara to have sustained injuries if she had been pushed from the buttocks or thighs.
Inspector Wong Yew Zhung showed Dr. Jusoh photos of Zara when she was found at the scene, and her body was slanting with the legs at the garden where the L-shaped ruler marked where the feet were supposed to be. Dr. Jusoh confirmed that if Zara had been pushed over the railing, she would have sustained injuries.
Dr. Jusoh also confirmed to conducting officer Datuk Badiuszaman Ahmad that there was no evidence of assault in the cause of death. Based on the post-mortem results, he said it was unlikely the body had been dragged and placed at the scene.
Dr. Jusoh explained that Zara, who was 154cm tall, could not have landed in the spot where she was found by stepping off the third-floor concrete railing. He also admitted that it would depend on whether Zara could run fast enough to cross the railing or if the corridor was wide enough for her to fall over.
The railing's height, compared with Zara's, indicated she could not have accidentally fallen over or been easily pushed, Dr. Jusoh demonstrated during his testimony. He showed photos from the scene examination on August 2 to support his claims.
The Coroner's Court adjourned for lunch at noon, with Dr. Jusoh being the only witness questioned so far. The inquiry continues.
