Dr reaffirms deceased Fijai taxi driver did not die by suicide

Dr Isaac Erskine, the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital pathologist who performed an autopsy on the deceased Fijai taxi driver has reaffirmed that the victim did not die by suicide by hanging.

During court proceedings on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, Dr Erskine was subjected to a cross-examination by Patience Glenogo, the regional chief state attorney who is the counsel for the defendants, which is the Western Regional Police Command.

During the cross-examination, the doctor made it clear and reaffirmed that, even though there was a ligature mark below the deceased’s neck, which is an impression left behind by a rope-like object used for hanging by suicide, his findings after performing the autopsy proved that the deceased did not die by hanging.

According to him, the deceased died of a possible external violent act.

However, the doctor requested for third parties to be present in court to answer some questions he was being asked by the counsel of the defendant because he did not have the answers since the police did not provide certain information in their reports.

The case has since been adjourned to Friday, June 3, 2022, for further cross-examination of Dr Erskine by the lawyer of the defendant, Patience Glenogo.

Background:

On December 25, 2021, the late Joseph Entsie was arrested and detained in custody at the Sekondi Central Police Station for allegedly breaking traffic rules.

The driver was later pronounced dead while in police custody on the same day. The police announced to the family that their relative committed suicide whilst in custody and that caused his death.

The body was then deposited at the Effiankwanta Regional Hospital Morgue and later transferred to a mortuary at Funkoe.

A coroner ordered an autopsy to be conducted to ascertain the real cause of the death of the taxi driver.

From this, a pathologist at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital known as Dr Erskine on January 10, 2022, conducted the examination.

According to the family, the pathologist communicated to them that the real cause of death of their relative was not a result of hanging as alleged by the police.

The lawyer indicated that the family is demanding the full autopsy report from the pathologist.