A Newfoundland jury viewed graphic crime scene and autopsy photographs Thursday as forensic experts testified in the Bay Roberts murder trial of Matthew Kavanagh, Stephanie Noftall and Terry Cole. The three are charged with first-degree murder in the death of 42-year-old Michael Fillier, whose body was found inside a burning truck on Sept. 30, 2024.

Pathologist says victim died by ligature strangulation

A pathologist testified that Fillier died by ligature strangulation, according to CBC News. The jury was shown photographs from the autopsy in the afternoon after spending the morning reviewing images from the crime scene on Country Road.

Crown prosecutor Colin Sheppard warned jurors before distributing 14 booklets of photographs. "These photos are graphic," Sheppard told them, according to CBC. One woman opened a booklet, closed it immediately and looked straight ahead.

The court has heard that Fillier's body was so badly deteriorated that firefighters did not initially notice a person inside the truck. An RCMP officer discovered the remains after the fire was extinguished.

What did forensic specialists find at the scene?

Sgt. Jonathan Moran, a forensic specialist from the RCMP detachment in Clarenville, documented the scene. He testified that the truck was burned until its tires melted, windows blew out and plastic components disappeared.

Moran photographed the scene through the broken windows without touching anything inside. He took pictures of a wire extending from the driver's side headrest to the victim's neck. He then called in forensic anthropologist Dr. Janna Andronowski to search the charred material for human remains.

Andronowski worked with officers to place Fillier's body into a bag. A local funeral home transported the remains to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

What is the prosecution's allegation?

The Crown alleges the three accused strangled Fillier in the parking lot of a convenience store and gas station in Bay Roberts. Sheppard said the prosecution will show the trio then drove his body to a dirt road, set the truck on fire and fled.

Testimony in the trial is continuing.

FAQ

What are the charges in the Bay Roberts murder trial?

Matthew Kavanagh, Stephanie Noftall and Terry Cole are each charged with first-degree murder in the death of Michael Fillier.

How did Michael Fillier die?

A pathologist testified that Fillier died by ligature strangulation. His body was found inside a burning truck on Sept. 30, 2024.