News crime scene investigation.
A pedestrian whose death in West Asheville led to a murder charge did not die from head trauma as previously thought, according to a recently released autopsy report. The autopsy shed light on the tragic incident that unfolded at a crosswalk in Asheville, North Carolina.
The autopsy conducted by pathologist Dr. Jerri Lynn McLemore at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist hospital in Winston-Salem revealed that Gregory William Martin, 73, of Candler Knob Road, was not killed by head trauma, despite the initial reports. The autopsy highlighted the events that transpired leading to Martin’s death.
The report mentioned that Martin was involved in a verbal altercation with occupants of a vehicle while attempting to cross the road. Surveillance footage provided by the Asheville Police Department showed that Martin was pushed from behind, causing him to fall face forward and hit a guardrail after his abdomen first impacted the curb/sidewalk.
At Mission Hospital, Martin was diagnosed with fractures of the cheekbone, nose, and around his eyes and forehead. The autopsy indicated that he also experienced nausea, vomiting, and a significant reduction of oxygen in his blood. Martin underwent surgery to repair his injuries but unfortunately succumbed to a delayed rupture of a subcapsular hepatic hematoma, which led to his death on March 12.
The primary suspect in the case, Tyler Coenraads, 24, was initially charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury following the incident. He was later charged with second-degree murder after Martin’s death. Coenraads, who is significantly larger and younger than Martin, turned himself in and has been released on bond.
Coenraads’ attorney, Al Messer, expressed disappointment with the murder charge and stressed the need for all facts to be presented in court. The legal proceedings are scheduled to continue in Buncombe County Superior Court on August 26.
It is essential to note that the manner of death was classified as a homicide by the pathologist based on the autopsy findings.
District Attorney Todd Williams refrained from commenting on the ongoing case, citing its pending status before the court. The Citizen Times reached out to members of Martin’s family for comments but has not received a response.
The investigation into the incident remains active, with authorities working to piece together the events that led to the tragic outcome in West Asheville.
As the case progresses, the community awaits further developments in the legal proceedings and hopes for justice to prevail.
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