Blog from Shenandoah Murder Trial

Testimony opened on Day Three of the Shenandoah beating trial of Derrick Donchak and Brandon Piekarsky with Ariel Garcia, who, with her husband Victor ,were friends with Luis Ramirez and came to help him after Ramirez said he was being attacked by teenaged boys.

Garcia recognized Brian Scully and Colin Walsh when they arrived at the Vine Street playground.

Scully was yelling at Ramirez, according to Garcia, and her husband Vincent punched Colin Walsh in the stomach while trying to break up the fight.

During questioning, a 9-1-1 tape of Ariel's call was played, and she was visibly upset.

Her recollections of the boys' identities included who may have landed a kick to Ramirez's head.

Garcia was called by the defense out of order, but was allowed because she is 9 months pregnant.

Testimony from medical professionals dominated the remainder of the morning, with a paramedic and flight medics who treated Ramirez.

Dr. Barbara Bollinger, a forensic pathologist retained by the prosecution, discussed her findings of the autopsy she completed on July 15th.

Her manner and cause of death was homicide by blunt force trauma.

Piekarsky's attorney Fred Fanelli took issue with Bollinger's objectivity since she was being paid by the DA's office.

More medical testimony is expected after lunch recess.