Autopsy Details Revealed in Warner Trial

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The Warner trial continued on Thursday with testimony from Oakland County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Patrick Cho, who performed the autopsy on the victim in August 2024. Dr. Cho described injuries including contusions to the face and head, internal bleeding on the brain, and signs consistent with strangulation. He ruled the cause of death as strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death as a homicide.

Why it matters

The autopsy findings presented by the medical examiner are a crucial piece of evidence in the Warner trial, as they provide key details about the victim's injuries and the circumstances surrounding their death. This testimony helps establish the prosecution's case and could impact the jury's understanding of what happened.

The details

Dr. Cho testified that the victim's body was wrapped in tarps and secured with duct tape when he performed the autopsy. He described the injuries, including contusions to the face and head, internal bleeding on the brain, and signs consistent with strangulation. Dr. Cho ruled the cause of death as strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death as a homicide. On cross-examination, he stated that the body condition alone could not determine an exact date of death and that investigators rely on last-known-alive information when listing a date.

• Dr. Cho performed the autopsy in August 2024.
• The Warner trial continued on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The trial is scheduled to continue on Friday, February 20th.