Doctor testifies she's unsure how girl died
There isn't much that Dr. Shaku Teas said she hasn't seen during her long career as a forensic pathologist.
Still, the sudden death four years ago of a 7-month-old Naperville child who authorities suspect was murdered left the doctor stumped.
After further investigation, Teas said she still could not determine how Ariana Creary died or if it was a homicide.
"I have to see some injuries I believe are intentionally inflicted to call it a homicide," said Teas, who conducted the child's autopsy. "I didn't see any."
Teas testified for about five hours Tuesday in the trial of a former Naperville father accused of fatally beating his daughter Sept. 4, 2004, while watching her alone in his northwest side apartment.
Locksley O. Creary, 30, of Bolingbrook, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges. His lawyers said he will not testify. His trial should conclude today after lawyers' closing arguments.
Prosecutors Alex McGimpsey and Joseph Ruggiero said Creary intentionally inflicted fatal injuries, including a severely lacerated liver, while beating the previously healthy 14-pound baby. There were signs of foul play, such as a dismantled crib mobile, two empty liquor bottles and Ariana's favorite pacifier was found lying in the hallway near a bathroom.
The defense team, John "Jack" Donahue and James M. Ryan, argue the medical evidence is too uncertain to convict a man of murder. They suggest Ariana suffered from a pre-existing gastrointestinal problem, likely choking to death, and that the liver damage was caused accidentally when Creary administered CPR incorrectly.
DuPage Circuit Judge George Bakalis is not expected to immediately announce his verdict. The complex medical case includes more than 100 pieces of physical evidence and dozens of witnesses.
But it was Teas whose testimony was the most anticipated.
She accused authorities of pressuring her to classify Ariana's death as a homicide to bolster their case. They accuse her of being a habitual paid defense expert who pushes a personal agenda.
Teas testified that Ariana's liver damage was similar to injuries that could be caused from rapid pressure during incorrect CPR efforts. Teas said Ariana's case was unique from the more than 6,000 autopsies she's conducted.
"I haven't seen any (liver) damage that looks like that," she testified. "It was very peculiar damage."
Her testimony ran contrary to that of Dr. Nancy Jones, who said last week as a prosecution expert that Ariana died of multiple injuries due to blunt trauma inconsistent with CPR and inflicted while she still was alive.
In fact, Jones said the liver "was crushed so much it turned kind of like pulp."
Two people - Ariana's mother and a police officer - witnessed Creary's CPR efforts. Both said he did not use excessive force, but Teas testified improper technique rather than force is what causes injuries.
Though a defense expert, Teas disagreed with its theory that Ariana's death is likely tied to a pre-existing medical problem, such as gastric reflux, choking or asthma.
In a heated cross examination, Teas and Ruggiero repeatedly squared off. Her testimony continues today.
Ariana would have turned 5 this Jan. 29. Her mother, Laura Gonzalez, has attended every day of the trial. The 28-year-old Aurora woman said she just wants to know the truth - whatever that may be.