Experts Testify in Michael Smith Trial

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — On Thursday, the Michael Juan Smith trial continued. The state called several more witnesses to the stand, including experts and doctors. “This bright spot in the middle of the spinal canal, that’s the bullet in the spinal canal,” explained Dr. Robert Smith. Dr. Smith showed the jury a CT scan of Martha Childress‘ chest. Dr. Smith explained how the bullet traveled through her body. “That bullet had passed from the region of the 7th rib and that corresponded to the initial wound we had spotted into the chest on the right, down through the diaphragm and passing through the liver and then the bullet which was was visible on both the CT scan, passed into the spinal canal,” said Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith said the bullet still lodged in Childress’ spine deformed as it passed through the tissue. In his opinion, he described to the jury what type of bullet he thinks hit her. “I believe it was something in the range of a 9 millimeter or a 40 caliber round that was designed to have a controlled expansion if you will, this is consistent with a hollow point type round,” said Dr. Smith. Several others also took the stand, including forensics and firearm protection expert Tracey Thrower. Lt. Thrower said the gun found on alleged shooter Michael Juan Smith is a Glock 27 40 Caliber pistol. He said the shell casing found at the scene is consistent with the gun. Court will resume on Friday at 9 am. The state is still presenting their case.