SMETHPORT — Friday morning in McKean County Court, forensic pathologist Dr. Eric Vey took the stand in the homicide trial of Stephen Stidd.
Vey performed the autopsy on shooting victim Melvin Bizzarro in 2015. Photos from the autopsy were shown, and Vey explained the impact the bullet had — entering Bizzarro’s sternum, traveling through his heart, right lung and a rib before stopping. Prosecutor Bobbi Jo Wagner from the attorney general’s office asked if Bizzarro would have been able to take a step or two before he died.
Vey said yes. “The brain itself has enough oxygen to function for 10 to 15 seconds in which one can participate in meaningful activity until they collapse.”
He also discussed a superficial wound on Bizzarro’s forehead. There is no way to tell definitely what caused it, he testified.
Defense counsel have indicated Bizzarro headbutted Stidd in an altercation before the shooting.
Also taking the stand Friday morning was Dr. Lawrence Guzzardi, a toxicologist. He gave his opinion that Bizzarro was under the influence of alcohol and a cocaine metabolite at the time of his death.
The case will continue at 1 p.m., and is expected to last until Tuesday.
