Criminal cases in which Smith played a key role

The Goudge inquiry into pediatric forensic pathology in Ontario starts public hearings in Toronto on Monday. Some prominent criminal cases in which pathologist Dr. Charles Smith played a key role:

William Mullins-Johnson: Convicted of first-degree murder of niece Valin, 4, in 1993. Smith testified she was anally raped and suffocated. Conviction quashed after he spent 12 years in jail when other experts found no such evidence and concluded she died of natural causes.

Louise: Charged with killing her daughter Sharon, 7, in 1997. Smith concluded she had been stabbed 80 times with a scissors. Charge withdrawn after other pathologists concluded the girl was mauled by a dog.

Brenda Waudby: Charged with beating her daughter Jenna, 2, to death in 1997 on Smith's opinion about time of injuries. Second-degree murder charge dropped after other experts said injuries were inflicted on evening of death, when she was in the care of a 14-year-old boy, later convicted of manslaughter.

Lianne Thibeault: Investigated for manslaughter of 11-month-old son Nicholas in 1995, who bumped his head and stopped breathing. Smith concluded death was deliberate and had body exhumed. Another pathologist later decided death was an "unexplained'' tragedy.

Maureen: Charged with killing stepson Tyrell, 3, in 1998 after Smith provided an opinion on head injury. Maureen said the boy had banged his head on a table after jumping from a couch. Charge stayed on eve of trial in 2001 after three pathologists concluded injury likely caused by falling on a table.

Angela Veno and Anthony: Charged with killing Athena, 3 months, who sustained 35 rib fractures, a torn liver and bruises to the head. Ontario Court of Appeal threw out charges on grounds of excessive delay -- Smith criticized for "inexplicable tardiness.''

Marco and Anisa Trotta: Convicted of killing eight-month-old baby Paulo in 1993 after Smith testified about skull fracture. Supreme Court ordered new trial based on suspect pathology. He spent nine years in jail before winning bail; she served five-year term.