Warning: contains graphic content. Day seven of the Brian Marbury murder trial focused on graphic forensic evidence as a pathologist took the stand to describe the condition of Sahra Bulle’s body following her disappearance and death in 2023. Dr. Elena Tugaleva, a forensic pathologist, performed the postmortem on June 7, 2023, one day after Bulle was pronounced dead. Bulle had been reported missing a week earlier on May 30 by a former staff member at the Hiatus House, a local women’s shelter. Dr. Tugaleva told the court, not all deaths warrant an autopsy, unless there’s a matter of public interest. In this case, one was necessary. She testified that Bulle’s body arrived, wrapped in a fluid soaked bedsheet, and was in a state of moderate to advanced decomposition. Evidence of insect and animal activity was present. There was also visible injuries that pointed to trauma before she died. One of the most significant findings was a laceration on the upper left side of the scalp, consistent with a blow from a blunt object. Tugaleva testified that the wound likely occurred around the time of death. Other external injuries included bruising at multiple spots on her body. Internally, the pathologist found haemorrhaging in her chest, as well as a broken right shoulder blade and multiple rib fractures on both sides. “There was no sign of healing,” Tugaleva testified, a key point suggesting the rib injuries occurred before death. Dr. Tugaleva ruled out strangulation and said cause of death is undetermined. In his cross examination, defense lawyer, Ken Marley, suggested to Tugaleva she couldn’t say if the injuries sustained were tied to Bulle’s death to which she answered, “No, I can not.” The trial continues Friday.
