Coroner, Co-Worker, and BCI Personnel Testify in McCafferty Trial

The Hardin County trial against Andrew McCafferty continues today.

One of the witnesses on the stand this morning was Dr. Dean Swiatkowski. He is the Chief Deputy Coroner from the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, where the autopsy on James Collins’ body was conducted.

He was called by Prosecutor Brad Bailey.

The doctor detailed the severity and locations of the stab wounds on Collins’ body.

Dr. Swiatkowski noted that any of the multiple wounds could have been fatal, but one on the right side of the chest that would have impacted the heart would have been the most difficult to survive.

He also talked about several lacerations on Collins’ face and jaw areas that were consistent with a fall.

On cross, Defense Attorney Joel Spitzer asked about the results of a toxicology report.

Dr. Swiatkowski said the report indicated the presence of methamphetamine, ethanol (alcohol), Suboxone and gabapentin, with the last two being prescribed medications.

The doctor noted that the levels were elevated, but their impact on the person varies from person to person.

For instance, he said if a person is a chronic user, it would take more usage to impact the individual.

Spitzer asked the doctor if the mixture of drugs, mixed with adrenaline, would allow a person to move longer even if under attack.

Dr. Swiatkowski said it would have an impact, but he said everyone is different and reacts in different ways.

Also, on the stand and called by the state was a co-worker of McCafferty, who recalled the Facebook video call he received from McCafferty at around 12:15am on October 1.

McCafferty told him he wouldn’t be at work that day because he stabbed a man who had attacked him. He recalled that McCafferty called it self-defense.

He also recalled that McCafferty told him he found a cell phone on the ground and picked it up thinking it was his. The co-worker then testified that McCafferty told him he threw it in a creek behind his (McCafferty’s) father’s residence.

The phone was retrieved by investigators.

Testimony was also provided by personnel from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

Ashley Owen identified a fingerprint found on a knife sharpener found in a kitchen drawer in the home where McCafferty was living at the time of the incident.

She said the fingerprint was found on a rusty, reddish color stain on the sharpener, and it belonged to McCafferty.

Justin Masin, from B.C.I., stated the DNA found on the handle of a knife matched both McCafferty and Collins.

He testified that DNA found on the blade of the knife was a single source and matched Collins.

The state is expected to call its last witness this afternoon, who is Detective Aric LaRue from the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. He is the lead investigator in the case.