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Audible sobs and groans could be heard from family members at the Goforth murder trial in Regina.
It was the first time people in the courtroom heard of the injuries sustained by two girls while they were in the care of Tammy and Kevin Goforth.
The Regina couple is charged with killing a four-year-old and injuring a two-year-old.
Regina Police Service Const. Tyler Boynton with the forensic identification unit documented and photographed the girls at the General Hospital in the summer of 2012.
He described “skinny limbs” and “prominent rib cages”.
He described “skinny limbs” and “prominent rib cages”.
He also documented bruising, skin abrasions and skin discolourations across their bodies and what he viewed as bruising “wrapped around” the ankles and wrists. The girls were suffering from malnourishment and dehydration.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, RPS Const. Garth Fleece presented evidence. He too is with the forensic identification unit and documented evidence at the Goforth home. He seized straps, cords and other restraints found in the girls bedroom and the basement of the home. Feces and blood was also found on cardboard.
Clumps of hair were found on fabric and painter’s tape along with blood and feces found on pieces of cardboard in the bedroom. Fleece describes the smell of feces as “dominant”.
Clumps of hair were found on fabric and painter’s tape along with blood and feces found on pieces of cardboard in the bedroom. Fleece describes the smell of feces as “dominant”.
He also described a “cargo strap” hanging from the ceiling rack in the basement. One single strand of black hair hung from the “rusty buckle”.
Under cross-examination, Fleece agreed there were colouring books, wall decorations and toys in the girl’s bedroom. He did not search for evidence relating to medication, like Children’s Tylenol, nor did he document evidence related to nutrition and food the girls had been given. A sippy cup was on the floor in the photographs shown in court.
Fleece explained the search parameters he had been given were only to look for things that might be “used as binds”.
Justice Ellen Gunn allowed the media to republish some of the photographic evidence being provided to the jury.
Tension in court is obvious as family members listen to the testimony. At one point, an individual in the public gallery yelled out, “too late for tears”, as Tammy Goforth was crying and comforted by Kevin Goforth.
Deputy sheriffs remain on hand in the courtroom at Court of Queen’s Bench.
The trial is scheduled to last three weeks.
